The focus around college football right now is on the College Football Playoff, which is unfolding across New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
However, 12 a.m. ET on Friday also marks a pivotal moment in the sport, as the NCAA transfer portal’s two-week window officially opens. One program expected to be especially active as it builds its roster for the 2026 season is LSU, led by new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Ahead of the portal opening, Kiffin shared a strong message on social media Thursday morning after it was revealed that Tigers safety Dashawn Spears would be staying at LSU.
“Happy New Year!! Just getting started. Can’t wait ’til midnight in Baton Rouge,” Kiffin posted.
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With Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, the expectations are clear: get LSU back to being a College Football Playoff contender and competing for national championships. One thing Kiffin has proven during his time at Ole Miss is that he is one of the best recruiters in college football.
That success now has to translate to the transfer portal, which has essentially become college football’s version of free agency amid the rapid changes the sport has undergone over the past several years.
The Tigers have already been linked to some of the biggest names expected to enter the portal, and it will be interesting to see how quickly the dominoes begin to fall once the window opens and which players Kiffin targets as he shapes the roster for next season.
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