LSU football was in line to return all five starters along its offensive line, but that group took a hit this week with Dare Rosenthal's decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said the on ESPN 104.5's Off The Bench that the decision was driven by "personal situations" that Rosenthal had to take care of elsewhere.
"LSU loves Dare. Dare loves LSU. I recruited him out of Ferriday High School ... he'll be a great offensive tackle. He had some personal situations that he had to take care of. It was a hard decision for him, but we wish him the best. We're going to miss him."
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Rosenthal is yet to pick a transfer destination, though Baylor has been reported to be a possible target. The junior will be eligible to play immediately.
Rosenthal redshirted in his true freshman season and saw action in five games in 2019. He was suspended for two games in the 2020 season but returned against Arkansas.
Orgeron said that Cameron Wire, who started in place of Rosenthal early in the season, will be in line to elevate into the starting role. The team will also return center Liam Shanahan, guards Chasen Hill and Ed Ingram, along with tackle Austin Deculus.
"Cam's done a good job, he was the 6th player normally in last year," Orgeron said. "Guys gotta step up."
Garrett Dellinger, Marcus Dumervil, Xavier Hill and Anthony Bradford were also mentioned by Orgeron as players with chances to earn larger roles under newly hired offensive line coach Brad Davis. Orgeron lauded the Baton Rouge native's work thus far since being hired away from Arkansas.
"Very intelligent coach, professional, articulate when he speaks in the meeting," Orgeron said. "He's a leader ... I think the kids love him."
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