LSU Football: Which Transfer Will Have The Biggest Impact?
LSU hit the NCAA Transfer Portal with force this offseason, and as preseason camp begins, there are a few guys poised to make an immediate impact with the program.
Brian Kelly and his staff went out and filled the holes within this program, specifically on defense. Now, as the season inches closer, we’ll get a better look at the newcomers moving full speed.
Here are five transfers poised to make an immediate impact this fall:
Omar Speights - Linebacker
Oregon State transfer Omar Speights has been the talk of the town ever since he announced his transfer to LSU during the offseason. A star at his previous destination, he made the move to Baton Rouge for his final season of eligibility.
Speights, a First-Team All-PAC-12 selection, has the chance to be one of the most productive players on this LSU defense. A tackling machine, Speights routinely makes highlight reel plays while being as reliable as they come at the second level.
It was a dominant final season with the Beavers in 2022. Speights ended the year with 83 tackles and eight tackles for loss with Oregon State. In four seasons up north, he finished his career with 308 total tackles.
Now, he prepares for his final run of college ball with the chance to step up in a big way on this revamped defense. Speights has had a big-time offseason, and looking to prove his talent in the SEC, expectations are high for the veteran linebacker.
Zy Alexander - Cornerback
Southeastern Louisiana transfer Zy Alexander made the move to Baton Rouge after announcing his transfer decision during the offseason. Now, the Louisiana native has the chance to play for his dream school this season.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound cornerback out of Loreauville, La had a productive career with the Lions, looking to carry his success to Death Valley. Providing the LSU secondary with a tenacious, savvy veteran, Alexander has the chance to step in on day one and make an immediate impact for this program.
During his time at Southeastern:
2022 First Team All-Southland Conference
2021 Second Team FCS All-America (Stats Perform)
2021 Third Team FCS All-America (AP)
2021 First Team All-Southland Conference
2021 First Team All-Louisiana
Alexander took first-team reps during spring camp with the opportunity to earn a starting role during fall camp beginning this week.
Logan Diggs - Running Back
Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs came to Baton Rouge with the chance to become LSU’s RB1, and after a huge offseason of his own, he’ll be a big piece to what this offense does in 2023.
Diggs is fresh off of his best season with Notre Dame. After rushing for 821 rushing yards on a team-high 165 carries, while scoring four touchdowns and averaging five yards per carry, Diggs quickly became a hot name on the market before Kelly and Co. secured the coveted running back.
The 6-foot, 214-pounder has been durable throughout his college career, and entering an LSU running back room that has battled the injury bug as of late, he has the chance to come in and earn duties immediately.
Diggs has proven what he’s capable of during his time with the Fighting Irish. Kelly has seen it. All of Louisiana has seen it. Now, he has the chance to prove it in the purple and gold that he can take his game to the next level in Baton Rouge.
Aaron Anderson - Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson could be the most intriguing player LSU added this offseason via the portal. A true speedster who will make an impact in several areas, the Tigers add a do-it-all star.
Anderson, a New Orleans native and former 5-star recruit, entered the portal in December and wasted no time in committing back to LSU. Prior to his commitment to Alabama, he was committed to Ed Orgeron and LSU, but once the coaching change occurred he reopened his recruitment before pledging to the Crimson Tide.
Now, Anderson is back where he belongs with the chance to make an impact with this receiving corps, but also as a return specialist. One of the most electrifying players in Louisiana high school football history, Anderson now has the chance to back it up in Tiger Stadium.
Duce Chestnut - Cornerback
Syracuse transfer Duce Chestnut shined in the ACC, and after two seasons, decided to make the move to SEC ball. The shutdown corner adds a different element to this LSU secondary after two years of high-level football.
As a freshman in 2021, Chestnut started in every game for the Orange, ending the year with three interceptions and eight pass breakups.
Fast forward to 2022 and the youngster tallied 40 tackles and an interception for the Orange. The Tigers have added a number of gifted players via the transfer portal, but Chestnut certainly sits near the top.
The ability to play both cornerback and nickel, his versatility is a piece of his game the Tigers could use for the foreseeable future. After missing spring ball with a shoulder injury, Chestnut now has the chance to step in and make an impact during fall camp.
