LSU’s Brian Kelly says fans have helped in the Tigers’ pursuit of attracting the best players.
“Those who come to see the games, those who follow LSU football, whether it’s been $5, $50 or $500, we are seeing those kinds of contributions that we haven’t seen in the past and it’s put us in a position that we can be aggressive on anyone that comes into the portal,” Kelly said.
And LSU has been aggressive with the transfer portal. According to 247.sports.com, LSU’s transfer portal is the second best in the country, behind Texas Tech.
Kelly challenged the fanbase to reach into their wallet earlier this month when he launched the Kelly Family Million Dollar Match Challenge. The Tigers coach said he would donate up to one million dollars to the Tiger Athletic Foundation for every dollar that’s donated to LSU’s NIL collective.
Bayou Traditions is LSU’s NIL collective, and they raise funds to provide Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for LSU’s athletes.
“I think it really sent a message to everybody that this is where we are today and if we want to be where we all want to be in terms of putting our roster together, we all have to step up and it started with me and I think our fan base responded equally,” Kelly said.
One of the big gets out of the transfer portal is Mansoor Delane from Virgina Tech. Delane is rated as the number two cornerback in the NCAA Transfer portal after making 29 starts at Virginia Tech and intercepting six passes in his career.
Kelly says Delane can also play safety and nickel back.
“We would be happy if he just played corner, but having that versatility makes him even more attractive to us,” Kelly said.
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Kelly says the Tigers are not done yet. LSU could use a veteran offensive tackle, since they are losing both of their starting tackles to the draft in Will Campbell and Emery Jones. The Tigers also need help at safety.