LSU recently generated football fans’ attention as Bernard Gooden, a standout defensive tackle from the University of South Florida (USF), committed to the Tigers. His commitment resulted in LSU returning to the top of the transfer portal rankings, projecting their intention to compete even at the elite level next season.
LSU Vaults Back To No. 1 In Transfer Rankings With Bernard Gooden
Gooden’s move to join the Tigger represents a remarkable moment in the team’s offseason.
Standing at 6’1”, 280 pounds, he is a defensive tackle who has earned widespread acclaim during his 2024 season at USF, where he recorded 35 tackles, 10 for loss, and 1.5 sacks across in the 13 games he featured in, he will be filling an essential role at the defensive line, as the unit required a player that’s full of experience and can impact game on the go.
The Path to the Boot
Transfer defensive lineman Bernard Gooden is officially a Tiger! pic.twitter.com/v2NxOwqg4M
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) April 28, 2025
Having 573 snaps at USF last season is a testament to his durability and readiness to step into an important role.
Gooden’s commitment immediately positioned LSU as No. 1 in the transfer portal rankings, after which the team had slipped to No. 4 since holding the top spot in January.
The Tigers’ transfer class now boasts 17 players, including 11 four-star recruits, evidence of the program’s successful approach to roster strengthening.
Kelly transformed the Tigers into a seasonal contender, focusing on recruiting. Since taking over in 2022, he has guided the team to a 9-4 record in 2024, a great preparation for the future. With the SEC’s competition and the College Football Playoff coming up, Kelly has used the portal to speed up the rebuild process.
KEEP READING: Brian Kelly’s Secret Weapon Revealed: Austin Thomas Named LSU’s Best Asset By JD Pickell for 2025 Football Season
Gooden is not the only name on Tigger’s new addition list. They have also secured offensive linemen Josh Thompson from Northwestern, edge rusher Patrick Payton from Florida State, Barion Brown from Kentucky, wide receivers Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, and Braelin Moore from Virginia Tech. Each addition targets a specific area of need.
Heading to the 2025 season, LSU finds itself at a crossroads. They have the talent to challenge for an SEC title, but their success will totally hinge on execution and how they stick together. The transfer portal provides coach Kelly with the raw talents; now, it’s time for him to mold them into a unit capable of thriving, come what may.
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