If you thought Baton Rouge was loud before, you haven't seen anything yet. Honestly, the vibe around Death Valley right now is less like a standard off-season and more like a high-stakes heist movie. Following the chaotic exit of Brian Kelly back in October 2025, the school didn't just look for a replacement; they went and hired the biggest disruptor in the sport.
Lane Kiffin is officially in the building.
It's weird to say it out loud, but the "Portal King" has already turned the LSU Tigers football latest news into a daily scroll of "who did we just land?" As of mid-January 2026, the roster is being rebuilt at a speed that makes your head spin. After a frustrating 7-6 finish in 2025—capped off by a stinging 38-35 loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl—the program was at a crossroads. Now, it's on a bullet train.
The Quarterback Room Just Got Expensive
For weeks, the biggest question in Louisiana was who would take the snaps now that Garrett Nussmeier has moved on. The answer arrived on Monday like a localized earthquake. Sam Leavitt, the high-profile transfer from Arizona State, committed to LSU.
His NIL valuation? A cool $3.1 million.
But Kiffin didn't stop there. He also plucked Landen Clark out of Elon. Clark might not have the flashy price tag, but he's a veteran who threw for over 2,300 yards last year. Basically, the Tigers went from an empty QB room to a surplus in about 48 hours. It’s the kind of aggressive roster management that makes people either love Kiffin or want to throw their remote at the TV.
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The Mass Exodus and the Even Bigger Influx
Look, we have to be real: the transition hasn't been all sunshine. When a coach like Kiffin takes over, the "house cleaning" is literal. We saw 30 players hit the portal since the season ended. That’s a massive number. It’s scary. Names like Colin Hurley and Ju’Juan Johnson are gone, looking for fresh starts elsewhere.
But Kiffin is treating the transfer portal like a Supermarket Sweep.
In just the last week, the Tigers have added a staggering 18 transfers. We're talking about a haul that includes three defensive linemen ranked in the top 10 of the portal: Jordan Ross from Tennessee, Malik Blocton from Auburn, and Stephiylan Green from Clemson.
The wide receiver room is also getting a complete facelift. Since the Tigers are losing four guys to the NFL, they went out and grabbed:
- Tre Wilson (Florida)
- Jayce Brown (Kansas State)
- Jackson Harris (Hawaii)
Harris is the one you should watch. He averaged nearly 20 yards a catch last year. He’s the deep threat this offense desperately needed during that stagnant stretch in November.
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Caden Durham’s Big Decision
Amidst all the new faces, the most important "get" might actually be someone who was already there. Running back Caden Durham, who had a rollercoaster 2025 with 505 rushing yards, briefly put his name in the portal. Fans were panicking. Then, on Monday, he posted a simple "I'm back" on Instagram. Keeping a talent like Durham in the backfield gives this new-look offense a needed sense of continuity.
What Happened in the Texas Bowl?
It’s easy to forget there was actually a game played recently. The Texas Bowl on December 28 was... well, it was a mess, but a fascinating one. Michael Van Buren Jr. (MVB) actually played quite well, throwing for 267 yards and three scores.
The bright spot? Trey’Dez Green.
The tight end caught two touchdowns, setting a single-season school record for his position. Even though the Tigers fell short, Green looked like a future Sunday player. The defense, however, was a sieve, allowing Houston to rack up 437 yards. That’s why Kiffin is currently obsessed with rebuilding the defensive line. He knows you can't win the SEC if you're getting bullied at the point of attack.
The 2026 Schedule: No Easy Days
The SEC released the 2026 schedule, and it's a gauntlet. Kiffin’s first game at the helm in Tiger Stadium? A massive showdown against Clemson on September 5.
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There's no "cupcake" start to the era. It’s straight into the fire.
Recruiting is also holding steady despite the coaching turnover. Local stars like defensive tackle Lamar Brown and New Orleans’ own Richard Anderson have stayed firm in their commitments. Kiffin is managing to bridge the gap between the "mercenary" feel of the portal and the traditional "hold the state" recruiting philosophy that LSU fans demand.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you're trying to keep up with this whirlwind, here is how you should approach the next few months of Tiger football:
- Track the Final Portal Window: The current window closes on Friday, January 16. Watch for one more big name on the offensive line; that’s the one area that still feels a bit thin.
- Mark the Spring Game: Keep an eye out for the date of the L-Club Spring Game. It will be the first chance to see the Leavitt-to-Wilson connection in real-time.
- Check the NIL Developments: With boosters like Gordon McKernan openly discussing the "war chest," LSU is becoming the premier destination for players looking to maximize their value. This isn't just about football anymore; it's about business.
The Lane Kiffin era is officially here. It's going to be loud, it's going to be expensive, and if the early portal returns are any indication, it’s going to be anything but boring.
Next Steps for Tigers Fans:
To stay ahead of the curve, monitor the official LSU Athletics "Signing Day" portal tracker through January 16. If the Tigers land another veteran offensive tackle in the next 72 hours, consider them legitimate SEC title contenders for the 2026 season. Check the updated 2026 scholarship numbers to see how close Kiffin is to the 85-man limit after this massive 18-player intake.