It’s safe to say we’re officially in the heart of the transfer portal era. Just a few years ago, it was commonplace to see college football programs take three, maybe four transfers in a class. In the 2023 offseason, LSU football has acquired 14 transfer additions. With so many new names joining the program in 2023, it can be hard to know what to expect. Here, we’ll outline three new faces: cornerback Duce Chestnut, edge rusher Bradyn Swinson and running back Logan Diggs, and why you should know their names heading into this season.
LSU football transfer portal: 14 new Tigers will take the field for the purple and gold in 2023
The transfer portal has been kind to the Tigers heading into 2023. With their 14 additions, coach Brian Kelly welcomes a fantastic group of starters and role players.
The star of the group is likely former Texas A&M Aggie and five-star cornerback Denver Harris. The incoming sophomore was ranked as the No. 2 overall transfer in the 2023 class and has immediate impact potential.
Another top addition is former top-100 recruit, Aaron Anderson. The stud wide receiver played for Alabama in 2022 but struggled to find significant playing time. With his decision to transfer to LSU, he’s returning to his home state and could make plenty of big plays for the Tigers.
However, alongside big-time additions like Anderson and Harris are plenty of other big-name additions. Below are just a few names that should make an immediate impact in their first season with the Tigers.
Cornerback Duce Chestnut
One of the most underrated players in the entire LSU football transfer portal class is cornerback Duce Chestnut. The former Syracuse standout is heading into his junior season and should be an immediate starter for the Tigers.
As a freshman with the Orange, the former three-star more than made his presence known. In his first two collegiate seasons, Chestnut totaled 83 tackles, nine passes deflected and four interceptions.
Despite his high production in just two years, Chestnut was ranked as the No. 81 transfer in the class of 2023, according to 247 Sports. While initially surprising, it makes some sense, mainly due to an injury he experienced this past season.
However, things are looking up for the junior cornerback after being cleared in early June. This is especially promising, considering one of his fellow transfer cornerbacks, JK Johnson, recently experienced a long-term lower-body injury.
With Duce Chestnut healthy and ready to go for 2023, the future is bright for the LSU football secondary.
Edge Rusher Bradyn Swinson
Edge rusher Brady Swinson is a hard cookie to crack. The former Oregon Duck has shown flashes throughout his career but has yet to find the consistency some expected.
Against Ohio State in 2021, Swinson recorded five tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.
However, outside of that game, he’s logged just 30 tackles, two pass deflections, two sacks and one forced fumble.
With that being said, his decision to transfer to the Tigers could be a good one. Outside of junior defensive end Sai’Vion Jones, there are spots to fill along the edge rusher positions.
While there’s plenty of talent at the position, there’s also plenty of opportunity. If Bradyn Swinson stands out early in fall camp, don’t be surprised to see plenty of No. 13 this season.
Running Back Logan Diggs
Allow me to preface this one with the fact that LSU football might have the deepest running back room in the country. However, even despite that depth, running back addition Logan Diggs could provide some valuable snaps in 2023.
The former three-star recruit was recruited by coach Brian Kelly and signed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as a part of their class of 2021. Getting the Metairie, LA, product to sign with a program that far north was impressive in its own right. Now, though, he decided to return home to join Kelly down in Baton Rouge.
Diggs spent two seasons in South Bend, IN, recording 1,317 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. While those aren’t exactly dominating numbers, he had no problem showing flashes throughout his two-year career with the Fighting Irish.
The 6-foot, 216-pound back is an absolute bruiser, with the potential to go through, or over just about every defender he encounters. Add in his experience with coach Kelly and his system, and he’s set himself up for significant success.
While he’s only joined the program recently, several impact backs like Josh Williams and John Emery Jr have spent significant time off the field this past offseason, opening the door for newcomers.
The LSU football program has one of, if not the best, transfer portal classes in the country. If players like Duce Chestnut, Bradyn Swinson and Logan Diggs find their way onto the field early, watch out. The team already retains tons of talent coming out of 2022. Looking ahead, with their 14 additions, the team has only gotten better, and coach Kelly has an elite roster to work with.
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