Veteran LSU defensive back will reportedly not transfer from program

One of the biggest transfer losses of the class of 2024 is looking like a loss no more, as he is now set to return to the program in 2024. On Friday of last week, veteran LSU defensive back Sage Ryan posted on Instagram that he’d be transferring away from Baton Rouge. However, after an apparent change of heart, the former five-star will return in 2024, as first reported by Lonn Phillips Sullivan.

Veteran LSU defensive back Sage Ryan to stay with the Tigers

It’s been a rollercoaster of a transfer portal for the Tigers over the last four days or so. On Friday morning, the Tigers had one of their biggest losses of the cycle, as veteran LSU defensive back Sage Ryan announced his intent to leave for a new home.

This was followed up by three portal additions, including that of former Texas A&M safety Jardin Gilbert. However, things appear to be continuing in a positive direction, as Lonn Phillips Sullivan of LSUOdyssey reported Tuesday afternoon that the former five-star will withdraw his name from the portal.

👀BREAKING from LSUOdyssey: #LSU DB Sage Ryan Will Not Enter Transfer Portal & Will Stay @ LSU, he told LSUOdyssey: “I wanna play for my state & for my brothers I sacrificed w/ since I got here.” Ryan made a transfer announcement on Friday, 👀 what changed his… pic.twitter.com/yFCrD1sihO

— Lonn Phillips Sullivan (@LonnPhillips) December 19, 2023

For coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers, this is some of the best news they could have received. Over his three seasons in Baton Rouge, the Lafayette, LA, native has played essentially every position in the defensive backfield for the Tigers.

Whether it be safety, cornerback or nickelback, he’s proven to be a reliable piece to the defense as a whole. Even despite consistently switching things up as needed, he’s been largely productive, recording 64 tackles and six passes defended throughout his career.

With the 5-foot-11, 202-pound defensive back returning to Baton Rouge, the LSU secondary has every reason to look much improved compared to the past two seasons under coach Brian Kelly.

Teammates react to the report on Twitter

With today’s report, there’s no doubt the Tigers just received a talented addition to their 2024 safety room. However, potentially even more important is the fact that they’re bringing a leader back for the defense. Ryan is entering his fourth season with the program and essentially knows the defense like the back of his hand.

As soon as reports began to spread of his return from the transfer portal, several teammates took to Twitter to express their excitement.

🥹🥹🥹 https://t.co/2w40sPqF0D

— Jordan “Lockdown” Allen (@jordanallen2022) December 19, 2023

My brudda let’s finish what we started 🤞🏾 https://t.co/9qsQRcIUfL

— Greg Penn III (@GP3__) December 19, 2023

While Ryan fits much better as a pure safety, it’s likely we could see him back at one of the corner positions again in 2024, largely due to depth issues. Still, regardless of where he ends up, Tiger fans should be thrilled to have the veteran LSU defensive back returning to the team.

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