The Tigers are prancing this offseason, wagging their proverbial tails as they traverse the transfer portal. Brian Kelly and LSU’s shortcomings on National Signing Day have largely been offset. However, one position group seems to have remained stuck in the abyss of mediocrity that was the 2024 season. As the contents and quality in the portal deplete, echoes of concern are reverberating across Baton Rouge.

Despite his efforts, Brian Kelly has failed to retool in the one position he perhaps needed most. There was a lot left to be desired in terms of LSU’s roster and the concoction of talent at different spots. However, their secondary was unequivocally their biggest issue. The Tigers have transferred in 14 players this portal cycle. Amidst this are a couple of cornerbacks, which has been a bit of a void since Derek Stingley Jr. turned pro. That’s the flanks, probably sorted. But the meat of the secondary, the safety position, remains a question mark. LSU insider Matt Moscona pleaded with the powers that be to find a solution, pronto.

Right from the onset of the transfer portal, Moscona and the fanbase have commended coach Kelly. He talked the talk, saying the Natty is requisite next season. Through his recruitment, he’s walking the walk, or so it seems. Matt Moscona, at the risk of exposing old wounds, reminded everybody how there’s still work to be done. “You have 14 signees right now already, in the transfer portal. Until it’s signed, sealed, delivered [and] done? It ain’t done. We’ve seen it. Saw it with Bryce Underwood,” said Moscona over on his AFR:LSU platform. He proceeded to address the elephant in the room. Safety incomings, or lack thereof.

“LSU has got to, and I mean got to- non-negotiable. We talk about wants, needs [and] musts? Whatever is 10x beyond a must, That’s where LSU is at [with] safety,” exclaimed Matt Moscona. Brian Kelly and co. have already missed out on key target Tawfiq Byard, formerly of USF, as well as Zechariah Poyser among others.

Byard joined Coach Prime’s revolution at Colorado instead. Moscona emphasised just how much of a handicap the position was this season. “You don’t need high-level Pro Football Focus numbers. All you gotta [have are] eyeballs. LSU’s safety play this year was awful. It was the worst position group on the team.” He then reiterated his previous sentiment about Kelly not resting on his laurels in case a player is already identified. 

“You’ve gotta go get safety help. Even if you do, and I hope you do, have a silent, committed safety…you’ve got to have a plan B, plan C, Plan D, Plan E. You’ve got to have a backup plan to build depth so you don’t end up in a lurch,” said Moscona. Seems like the PTSD from the Underwood saga remains prevalent among the LSU faithful. Well, it’s not all doom and gloom in Death Valley. There is life, after all.

Brian Kelly has still managed to conjure arguably the best transfer portal class in CFB

As aforementioned, LSU has indeed reinforced their secondary. They’ve acquired Mansoor Delane and Ja’keem Jackson at the corner position. They were the no.2 and no.9 CBs traversing the transfer portal and are expected to slot right in on either side. The pair has multiple years of eligibility left and present a long-term solution to Brian Kelly.

Conversely, the offensive side of the ball is also revamped. Nic Anderson, Barion Brown and Destyn Hill form a trifecta of new faces in the receiving corp. But perhaps the biggest move was not an incoming player but one already in-house staying put. Garrett Nussmeier foregoing the Draft and returning brings about quality and continuity. The new weapons should accentuate Nuss’ own game, which has blown hot and cold but is trending upwards.

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The fact is, Brian Kelly has flexed his prowess and garnered a lot of talent for his roster. However, his inability to land a safety does blemish the good stuff. The Tigers are reportedly in the reckoning for Tamarcus Cooley, the no.2 safety in the portal. Coach Kelly needs to make sure he gets this ever-so-slightly bloating monkey off his back. Seeing Cooley in purple and gold will quell a lot of concern.