As Clemson gears up for an exciting 2025 season, the opponent landscape is already looking intense! While the ACC schedule is still being finalized, one thing’s for sure: Clemson will kick off the season with a thrilling home game on August 30 against the powerhouse LSU Tigers. This marks the second consecutive year the Tigers face off against SEC competition, following their clash with Georgia in Atlanta to open 2024.
LSU’s transfer portal activity has been nothing short of explosive. The Tigers have lost 17 players but have also added 13 new faces, making their roster a fascinating blend of fresh talent and experienced playmakers. Clemson, on the other hand, has seen only a few changes, losing four players and adding two—one being former Purdue defensive end Will Heldt, who nearly joined LSU before committing to Clemson.
Let’s dive into LSU’s transfer portal moves:
Major Additions to the LSU Tigers:
1. DE Patrick Payton (FSU): Ranked as the #2 overall player in the portal, Payton is a huge defensive addition that will strengthen LSU’s pass rush.
2. OL Braelin Moore (Va Tech): With four offensive linemen heading to the NFL, Moore’s versatile skill set (center or guard) fills a critical need.
3. DT Sydir Mitchell (Texas): A powerful interior force with three years of eligibility left.
4. P Grant Chadwick (MTSU): Averaged 43.4 yards per punt as a freshman, adding a new weapon to LSU’s special teams.
5. WR Nic Anderson (Oklahoma): At 6’4″, Anderson brings big-play potential to LSU’s receiving corps.
6. WR Destyn Hill (FSU): After a torn ACL, Hill is poised for a comeback and could be a key playmaker down the road.
7. CB Mansoor Delane (Va Tech): A top-tier cornerback who could become a shutdown defender for LSU, with NFL draft buzz surrounding him.
8. DE Jack Pyburn (Florida): A strong run defender with room to grow as a pass rusher under LSU’s coaching staff.
9. QB Michael Van Buren (Mississippi State): A promising freshman quarterback with a rocket arm and backup potential for next season.
10. WR Barion Brown (Kentucky): Fans may remember Brown for his standout performance against Clemson in the Gator Bowl. Expect him to be a key contributor for LSU in 2025.
11. CB Ja’Keem Jackson (Florida): After a strong start to the season, Jackson’s development will be crucial for LSU’s defensive backfield.
12. TE Bauer Sharp (Oklahoma): A reliable tight end who caught 42 passes last season, adding another weapon to LSU’s offense.
Departures: LSU’s Transfer Portal Losses:
QB Rickie Collins (to Syracuse)
WR Landon Ibieta
WR CJ Daniels (to Miami)
DE Da’Shawn Womack (to Ole Miss)
S Jordan Allen (to Houston)
WR Shelton Sampson Jr.
S Kylin Jackson (to TCU)
LB Xavier Atkins (to Auburn)
CB Jyaire Brown
CB Bernard Causey
K Nathan Dibert (to Eastern Michigan)
DT De’Myrion Johnson
CB JK Johnson (to Oklahoma State)
TE Ka’Morreun Pimpton
DT Jay’Viar Suggs
S Sage Ryan (to Ole Miss)
QB AJ Swann
As if that wasn’t enough, LSU also boasts a stellar 2025 recruiting class, coming in at a jaw-dropping No. 7 in the 247 composite team rankings.
With a potent mix of fresh faces and seasoned talent, LSU’s off-season moves make them a force to be reckoned with, and this showdown against Clemson promises to be a thrilling battle. Stay tuned as the Tigers prepare to face one of their toughest SEC challenges yet!
