Lane Kiffin’s tenure at LSU is barely underway, and a crucial pillar of the team’s future is already heading for the exit. The former Ole Miss coach’s overhaul of the LSU coaching staff was meant to build a foundation for the future, but his first major decision may have just dismantled a key piece of it.

On Dec. 17, CBS Sports reported that freshman OL Carius Curne is heading towards the portal. The former five-star ranked No. 2 as the OL in the Class of 2025 and has shown elite potential.

Being called the Top 10 NFL draft pick during his high school, Curne saw significant play time as a true freshman, allowing 11 pressures and three sacks over 198 pass blocking snaps. Making five starts at both left and right tackle in seven games, he recorded 305 offensive snaps.

Although he missed the initial four games, his constant presence since the Ole Miss vs LSU matchup grabbed him significant eyeballs. However, his playing time was cut short by a leg injury sustained against Texas A&M, but he bounced back against Alabama.

This development follows Kiffin’s hiring of a new offensive line coach. Former Kentucky OL coach Eric Wolford replaced Brad Davis on Dec. 7. Davis had played a vital role in recruiting Curne from Marion, Arkansas.

During his recruitment journey, Curne was deeply impressed by the home state’s Arkansas Razorbacks. There was growing chatter that the five-star prospect wouldn’t even drop by Baton Rouge after wrapping a fruitful trip to Arkansas. In March 2024, he decommitted from the Razorbacks after LSU’s aggressive pursuit. On the national signing day (Dec. 4, 2024), he signed with the Tigers.

“Carius is one of the stronger offensive tackles I have recruited in some time,” Former HC Brian Kelly said of him during his signing. “He absolutely dominates his opponents. He is physically ready to play in the SEC right now.”

Arriving at the LSU locker room as the 6’4, 325-pounder, Curne immediately made his impact known. However, the Tigers struggled to put together a strong season. Garrett Nussmeier threw for 1,927 yards. But his torso injury cut short his game appearances. The 2025 season got off to a good start, but after the Ole Miss loss, the Tigers struggled to steady the ship. With Brian Kelly’s firing, the leadership went into transition, and the Tigers never regained their footing. Even when QB Michael Van Buren Jr. replaced Garrett, he threw five touchdowns and two interceptions, along with being sacked 10 times in three appearances. Combined (including Garrett), the total sacks tallied up to 25.

Curne showed potential on the field, but with the way the Tigers’ 2025 season turned out, he is looking forward to greener pastures. According to On3, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Georgia, and Kentucky might be interested in recruiting him.

Who’s next after Garrett Nussmeier?

Following a 2024 breakthrough season, Garrett Nussmeier dominated the pre-season headlines as a Heisman contender. But things took a turn for the worse, and the senior signal-caller couldn’t even make it to the top 5 finalists. However, with his eligibility exhausted, he is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. With Nussmeier’s expected departure, Lane Kiffin faces a QB dilemma. Michael Van Buren Jr., along with Colin Hurley, make up the QB room. However, Kiffin, in hopes of winning the national championship next season, will be looking for a veteran arm.

Not just the QB position, Kiffin is working through a roster reconstruction. More than ten players have already opted for the transfer portal. It would be interesting to note how things pan out for Kiffin’s future at LSU.