Every Sunday has started to feel like panic day across college football. Last weekend, the domino fell in Baton Rouge. Just a day after LSU’s 27-20 loss to Texas A&M, it was Brian Kelly’s turn to be shown the door. Now, with the Tigers sitting at 5-3 and their roster shaken, the last thing the program needs is an exodus of players midway through the season. But interim head coach Frank Wilson isn’t letting panic seep in.

Now in his 10th season overall with LSU and boasting nearly three decades of coaching experience, Wilson has made player retention his immediate priority. And so far, the locker room seems fully behind him. That was reflected in On3Sports’ Bryce Koon’s Monday post on X. “LSU interim HC Frank Wilson reiterates that he has not had any conversations about players opting out for the remainder of the season,” wrote Koon.

It’s not surprising, considering Wilson’s long-standing connection to the program. He spent six seasons at LSU before leaving for the head coaching job at UTSA, then returned for Brian Kelly’s first season in Baton Rouge, quickly reestablishing his influence within the program. Wilson’s strength goes beyond leadership.

Wilson knows how to sell the Tigers’ dream; he’s long been regarded as one of college football’s elite recruiters. From 2010 to 2015, he served as LSU’s recruiting ace, helping the Tigers land four top-10 classes and earning National Recruiter of the Year honors twice. Now, while he had to take on the responsibility of HC after his role as RBs coach, he undoubtedly will give it his best to motivate the team.

“We have to live in this moment to allow us to take care of our business right now,” he said in the team’s first practice. “To do anything besides that is a mistake.” And this opportunity was like a dream come true for him.“It’s something that you would dream up, something that you don’t know if it would ever come true, but something you prepare yourself for,” mentioned Wilson. “I recognize this moment, this opportunity, is so much bigger than me. I just happen to be the caretaker at this moment.”

When the recruiting mastermind himself has taken over the reins, LSU can afford to rest a little easier on the decommitment front. If anyone at all can keep LSU’s 2026 and 2027 classes intact, it’s the man who helped build them in the first place. Now, while the Tigers appear to face Alabama under Wilson’s direction, former HC Brian Kelly’s firing continues to make headlines amid unresolved controversies.

Key Tigers to watch as Frank Wilson fights to prevent a transfer exodus

Frank Wilson’s biggest challenge will be to keep key young players from testing the transfer portal. Tight end Trey’Dez Green (6’7″, 240, Jackson, La.) has quickly developed into one of the Tigers’ most reliable weapons, building on a 2024 freshman campaign of 13 catches for 101 yards and four touchdowns. This year, he’s elevated his game with 21 receptions for 264 yards and four scores in just six outings.

Defensively, Davhon Keys has continued his rise after posting 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a pick-six last year, now up to 49 tackles and a pass defended as a sophomore. Safety Dashawn Spears (6’3″, 208, Denham Springs, La.) has flashed playmaking instincts too, tallying 13 tackles and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.

Up front, Dominick McKinley (6’6″, 308, Lafayette, La.) remains a developmental gem whose impact goes beyond stats. Through 18 career games, he’s logged 14 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and a fumble recovery, impressive numbers for a young interior lineman. If Wilson can keep talents like these committed to Baton Rouge, LSU’s rebuild could stabilize faster than many expect.