Clemson vs LSU: A Look at Arguably the Nation’s No. 1 Transfer Class
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Clemson, long considered a transfer portal holdout under head coach Dabo Swinney, made headlines this offseason by dipping into the portal for non-quarterbacks for the first time. The Tigers added three key pieces—wide receiver Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State), defensive end Will Heldt (Purdue), and linebacker Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama)—in a sign that even Swinney is evolving with the times.
But while Clemson’s portal moves were historic in their own right, it’s LSU that turned heads nationally with a haul that topped, at least one outlet's 2025 transfer rankings. After adding just nine players from the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season and finishing with the No. 45 class in the nation, LSU ramped things up in 2025. Head coach Brian Kelly and his staff doubled their portal additions, bringing in 18 newcomers. According to 247Sports, the SEC Tigers landed the No. 1 transfer class in the country, edging out Texas Tech. However, both ESPN and On3 ranked LSU No. 2, just behind the Red Raiders.
Here’s a look at the Bayou Bengals' top additions from the portal heading into the Aug. 30 opener against Clemson:
Nic Anderson (WR, Oklahoma), the tall receiver (6'4) only played a few snaps in 2024 due to a quad injury. In 2023, he caught 10 touchdowns and averaged 23.4 yards per catch (38 receptions, 798 yards).
Barion Brown (WR, Kentucky), in three seasons at Kentucky, he accumulated 112 receptions, 11 receiving TDs, two rushing TDs, and five kickoff return scores. In the 2023 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the speedster had 226 all-purpose yards against Clemson.
Michael Van Buren Jr. (QB, Mississippi State), made eight starts in 10 games as a true freshman, passing for 1,886 yards, 11 TDs, and seven interceptions. Named SEC Freshman of the Week after passing for 306 yards and 3 TDs against Georgia.
Jimari Butler (DE, Nebraska), the graduate spent five years with the Cornhuskers with 16 starts. Has 65 career tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.
Tamarcus Cooley (S, North Carolina State), appeared in all 13 games, starting 9 times at nickel. Recorded 39 tackles, three INTs, two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections.
Grant Chadwick (P, Middle Tennessee State), averaged 43.4 yards for his 51 punts in 2024.
Mansoor Delane (CB, Virginia Tech), a two-year starter for the Hokies who finished with 54 tackles, four INTs, seven pass deflections, and two forced fumbles last season. He had five tackles and a pass deflection in the Hokies' 14-24 loss to Clemson (Nov. 9, 2024).
A.J. Haulcy (S, Houston), First Team All-Big 12 by Associated Press. Second on the team in tackles (74). Tied for the Big 12 lead in interceptions (5). Second in Big 12 in passes defended (13).
Destyn Hill (WR, Florida State), the sophomore speedster (verified 4.32 time in the 40-yard dash) missed 2024 with a knee injury.
Braelin Moore (OL, Virginia Tech), two-year starter on the offensive line at Virginia Tech in 2023 and 2024.
Patrick Payton (DE, Florida State), the fifth-year senior has 31.5 career tackles for loss and 16 sacks in 40 games (26 starts). In three games against Clemson, he had 11 tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection.
Jack Pyburn (DE, Florida), had 60 total tackles (third on the team), four tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception in 2024.
Bauer Sharp (TE, Oklahoma), led the Sooners in receptions (42) and receiving yards (324) with two touchdowns in 2024.
Josh Thompson (OL, Northwestern), a two-year starter at Northwestern. Did not allow a sack last season.
Other additions:Bernard Gooden (DT, South Florida)
Donovan Green (TE, Texas A&M)
Ja'Keem Jackson (CB, Florida)
Sydir Mitchell (DT, Texas)