As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Baton Rouge to see if these moves translate into championship results.
The LSU Tigers have made significant
strides in strengthening their football
roster for the upcoming 2025 season,
securing commitments from several
high-profile transfers. These strategic
acquisitions address critical positions
and demonstrate the program’s
commitment to competing at the highest
level.
Bauer Sharp: A Dynamic Addition to the Tight End Corps.
One of the most notable signings is tight
end Bauer Sharp, who joins LSU after a
productive season at Oklahoma. In 2024,
Sharp led the Sooners with 42 receptions
for 324 yards and two touchdowns. His
versatility is evident, having transitioned
from quarterback to tight end during his
tenure at Southeastern Louisiana before
moving to Oklahoma. LSU head coach
Brian Kelly praised Sharp’s physicality
and adaptability, stating, “He’s a talented
player with physicality; especially in the
run game… He has the ability to do some
really good things for us in the passing
game as well.”
Donovan Green: Reinforcing the Tight End Position.
Complementing the addition of Sharp,
LSU secured former Texas A&M tight end
Donovan Green. Standing at 6-foot-4 and
weighing 265 pounds, Green brings
significant SEC experience. Despite an
injury setback in 2023, he showcased his
potential during his true freshman year
in 2022, recording 22 catches for 222
yards and two touchdowns. Green’s
arrival adds depth and talent to the
Tigers’ tight end room, which saw
departures to the NFL Draft and the
transfer portal.
Soloman Thomas: Strengthening the Offensive Line.
In a major recruiting victory, LSU flipped
five-star offensive lineman Soloman
Thomas from Florida State. Ranked as
the No. 13 player in the 2025 class by
ESPN, Thomas’s commitment bolsters the
Tigers’ offensive line. His decision was
influenced by the stability and
opportunity presented under Coach
Kelly’s leadership, especially following a
tumultuous season for Florida State.
Thomas’s versatility and skill set are
expected to make an immediate impact.
Patrick Payton: Elevating the Defensive Edge.
On the defensive side, LSU landed
Patrick Payton, a premier edge rusher
transferring from Florida State. With one
year of eligibility remaining, Payton
brings a wealth of experience and
production, having accumulated 110
tackles and 16 sacks over three seasons.
His accolades include being named the
ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022.
Payton’s addition is poised to enhance
the Tigers’ pass rush significantly.
Barion Brown: Adding Speed to the Receiving Corps.
The Tigers also addressed the wide
receiver position by securing Barion
Brown from Kentucky. Known for his
exceptional speed and athleticism,
Brown amassed 122 receptions for 1,528
yards and 11 touchdowns over three
seasons with the Wildcats. His versatility
extends to special teams, where he
contributed five kick return touchdowns.
Brown’s dynamic playmaking ability is
expected to be a valuable asset for LSU’s
offense.
Strategic Transfer Portal Approach.
These acquisitions reflect Coach Brian
Kelly’s strategic use of the transfer portal
to address specific team needs without
over-relying on transfers. Kelly
emphasized the importance of balancing
experienced transfers with developing
young talent, stating, “The transfer portal
will be something that will be examined
closely and if we feel like there’s a
particular need there to balance our
football team, we’re certainly going to be
invested in that.”
Looking Ahead.
With these key additions, LSU aims to
improve upon their previous 8-4 season
and position themselves as strong
contenders in the SEC. The infusion of
experienced talent at critical positions,
combined with the development of
existing players, sets the stage for a
promising 2025 campaign. As the Tigers
integrate these new players into their
system, fans and analysts alike will be
watching closely to see how these
strategic moves translate on the field.
