LSU football faces some critical adjustments as the team works to trim its roster to comply with the scholarship limit of 85 players. The Tigers, under the direction of head coach Brian Kelly, were operating slightly over this limit during spring practice. With the conclusion of the National L Club Spring Game and the official opening of the transfer portal on April 16, LSU anticipated several player departures.
Despite these expected exits, LSU does not foresee losing any major starters or key contributors. Kelly has been vocal about the need to bolster the team’s depth, especially at the defensive tackle position, through the transfer portal.
Here’s an updated list of players who have entered the transfer portal and those who have joined LSU as the team prepares for the 2024 season, which begins on September 1 against USC in Las Vegas. This list will be regularly updated.
### LSU Football Players in Transfer Portal
**John Emery, Running Back**
John Emery’s departure wasn’t unexpected. The former five-star recruit, who completed his LSU career with 1,062 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, was not listed on the spring roster. Emery’s exit marks the end of his four-season tenure with the Tigers. New school: N/A
**Jo Cryer, Offensive Lineman**
Jo Cryer’s decision to enter the transfer portal is surprising given that he was an early enrollee for the 2024 recruiting class. Despite just completing his first spring with LSU, Cryer is moving on. He was previously committed to Ole Miss before joining the Tigers. New school: N/A
**Ryan Yaites, Safety**
Ryan Yaites, a former four-star recruit, entered the transfer portal on April 19. Yaites struggled to find a spot in the depth chart during spring practice, working primarily with the third string. He appeared in all 13 games for LSU in 2023, recording 16 tackles. New school: N/A
**Jeremiah Hughes, Cornerback**
Jeremiah Hughes, who played in all 13 games during his freshman season but primarily on special teams, has entered the transfer portal. Despite being a three-star prospect, Hughes found himself down the depth chart with new additions to the roster. New school: N/A
**Christian Braithwaite, Linebacker**
Christian Braithwaite, who saw limited action in 2023 and sat out in 2022, is also leaving LSU. The former four-star linebacker from Cypress, Texas, did not fit into the team’s plans moving forward. New school: N/A
**Ryan Robinson Jr., Cornerback**
Ryan Robinson Jr. did not project as a key contributor for the upcoming season, as he was buried on the depth chart this spring. Robinson was a three-star recruit from New Orleans. New school: N/A
**Khai Prean, Wide Receiver**
Khai Prean, who had a brief moment of highlight with a touchdown during the spring game, entered the transfer portal shortly after. The redshirt freshman from St. James High School saw limited impact during his time with LSU. New school: N/A
**Connor Gilbreath, Tight End**
Connor Gilbreath, who transferred to LSU from junior college and appeared in 13 games in 2023, struggled to fit into the revamped offensive scheme. His departure clears room for adjustments in the tight end position. New school: N/A
**Jaxon Howard, Edge Rusher**
Jaxon Howard, a former four-star recruit and top prospect from Minnesota, served as a backup edge rusher in his lone season with LSU. He played in only five games before deciding to return to Minnesota. New school: Minnesota
### LSU Football’s Transfer Portal Strategy
Brian Kelly and his staff have already begun to address roster gaps through the transfer portal. The first new addition is Gio Paez, a graduate transfer defensive end from Wisconsin. Paez, who stands 6-3 and weighs 310 pounds, recorded 22 tackles and a half-tackle for loss in the previous season.
As the Tigers continue to reshape their roster, Kelly remains focused on enhancing depth and addressing specific needs through strategic acquisitions. The adjustments made now will play a crucial role in preparing LSU for the upcoming season and ensuring the team is well-equipped for success.
Cory Diaz covers LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. For questions about LSU athletics, reach out to Cory Diaz.