When Barion Brown entered the transfer portal after three seasons at Kentucky, he was searching for the perfect fit. The dynamic wide receiver had plenty of suitors, but one particular connection stood out during his decision-making process. LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton, who had recruited Brown at Georgia.
How Garrett Nussmeier’s Swagger Influenced Barion Brown’s Decision
The coach gave the Tigers a significant advantage in landing the talented playmaker. That relationship, combined with LSU’s offensive potential and a quarterback with undeniable “swagger,” ultimately led Brown to Baton Rouge.
For Brown, it wasn’t just about familiarity with Coach Hankton—he was also drawn to the energy and culture of LSU’s offense. One of the biggest factors? The presence of Garrett Nussmeier, the Tigers’ quarterback and a top Heisman Trophy candidate for the 2025 season.
During his introductory press conference, Brown shared a candid and amusing moment about what sealed the deal for him. Recalling one of his early visits with the team, he said:
“It’s just looking at the team, how to practice was, um, coaching, coaching the receivers was just vibing, cooling. Nuss came out listening to some YoungBoy. That just had me going. That’s my favorite rapper. So, it was just like, everything was just clicking.”
LSU WR Barion Brown arrives in Baton Rouge with an impressive track record.
– 120+ career catches, 1,500+ yards and 11 TDs while at Kentucky.
Why LSU? Garrett Nussmeier’s “swagger” helped.
“Nuss came out listening to some YoungBoy.. That just had me going. Everything clicked.” pic.twitter.com/gfu7xRbfcx
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) March 18, 2025
That small but telling detail—Nussmeier’s choice of pre-practice music—helped create an instant connection for Brown. The combination of on-field talent, leadership, and personality made LSU an easy choice.
Few transfers arrive at their new schools with the track record that Brown brings to LSU. During his three-year tenure at Kentucky, he emerged as a legitimate offensive weapon. His resume speaks for itself:
- 120+ career receptions
- 1,500+ receiving yards
- 11 receiving touchdowns
- Five kickoff returns for touchdowns
- 29.4 yards per return average
Kentucky’s offensive identity was more run-heavy than pass-focused, yet Brown still managed to put up impressive numbers. Now, at LSU, he joins an offense that thrives on explosive passing plays, allowing him to elevate his game even further.
Though Brown initially chose Kentucky out of high school, his relationship with Coach Hankton never faded. When Hankton, now at LSU, reached out to Brown after he entered the portal, it was like picking up right where they left off.
“Since my recruitment, me and Coach Hank always had a good relationship. I worked out at Georgia and made him just kind of build a relationship. But, you know how the recruitment process goes, went to Kentucky, liked it.
“So I ended up committing there. But when he called me, it was just like bread and butter. We were already on the same page and we just got back on track where we left off from. So it was good having Coach Hank here.”
A New Era of LSU’s Receiving Corps
Brown joins an already stacked wide receiver room at LSU, but he sees the competition as a benefit rather than a challenge. Instead of worrying about his role, he embraces the opportunity to grow alongside other talented receivers.
“We’re deep. They just make it better for us. I feel like every day, we’re out there pushing each other, being the best version that we can be, and just trying to build this team chemistry. We had a lot of transfers coming in, so just keep building team chemistry.”
While his speed, explosiveness, and return skills are already elite, Brown isn’t settling. He has clear goals for his development at LSU.
“I take pride in catching the ball, making a move with the ball after the catch. Of course, speed. I feel as you can always work on everything you’re good at. So, if I’m good at this, I’m still going to work on it. If I’m bad at this, I’m going to get better at it. So, just my overall game, just continue to grow.”
KEEP READING: Garrett Nussmeier Shares His Excitement With LSU’s Transfer Portal WR Class
The Tigers’ fanbase will be watching closely to see how Brown’s skills translate in Baton Rouge, but if his track record and confidence are any indication, he could become one of the most electrifying players in college football in 2025.
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