Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff watched three more Tigers depart the program Friday morning with the Bayou Bengals, welcoming up to six NCAA Transfer Portal entrants during the spring period.
For Kelly and others, the departure was expected as LSU looks to add depth to its interior defensive line through the second portal window while falling below its 85-man scholarship limit.
Now, entrants into the portal continue, with the Tigers dropping below the 85-man number for the first time this offseason as there are several moving parts at work behind the scenes.
Friday Portal participants:
Ryan Yates: Sophomore safety.
On Friday morning, On3's Pete Nacos reported that LSU safety Ryan Yates has opted to enter the portal after one season in Baton Rouge.
The former four-star player has three years of eligibility remaining and is sure to be coveted on the free agent market.
In his first year at LSU, Yaites played in all 13 games as a backup defensive back, recording 16 total tackles and pass breakups while also contributing on special teams as a true freshman.
Christian Braithwaite: Redshirt freshman linebacker.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Christian Braithwaite became the second player to enter the transfer portal after Yaites on Friday, sources tell LSU Country. On3 first reported the news.
LSU's linebacker room, headlined by Harold Perkins, Greg Penn III, and the Weeks Brothers of Witt and West, flaunts an embarrassing wealth.
He played in five games for Braithwaite last season, including a bowl game, and recorded three total tackles.
The youngster had the difficult task of getting on the field after working with the third team through spring training, but now it's clear he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
The former Baylor product is currently on the free agent market in search of an immediate transfer.
Jeremiah Hughes: Sophomore cornerback
LSU cornerback Jeremiah Hughes announced on social media Friday morning that he is the third Tiger player to enter the transfer portal, joining Yaites and Braithwaite.
Hughes appeared in 13 games during the 2023 season and recorded six total tackles.
After spring training, with Ashton Stamps named the starter and the rise of true freshman P.J. Woodland, it became clear that Hughes' chances on the field this fall would be limited.
In addition to Stamps and Woodland, Hughes appeared to be behind several other Tigers on the depth chart, which included Javier Tobiano, Jaire Brown, J.K. Johnson, and more. .
Now young people come to the portal in search of an opportunity to find a home.
LSU currently has six portal entrants during the spring period.
edge jackson howard
WR Kai Prine
TE Connor Gilbreath
DB Ryan Yates
LB Christian Braithwaite
CB Jeremiah Hughes
More LSU news:
LSU Football: Top freshman wide receiver enters NCAA transfer portal
Introduction to the transfer portal: Where does LSU football stand in the second window?
Wide receiver big board: Who is driving LSU football to deliver on its promise?
Join the community:
Follow Zach Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU countries: @LSU Country_FN For all our coverage of the LSU program.
