“LSU Football’s Transfer Portal Dominance Shattered: What’s Behind the Shocking Fall from Grace?”

The landscape of college football is ever-evolving, and the transfer portal has dramatically changed the game for many programs. Recently, LSU football found itself in a shifting sports narrative, no longer boasting the top-ranked transfer class in the nation. The spotlight has now shifted to Texas Tech, who secured a significant addition in former Stanford pass rusher David Bailey. This move not only elevates the Red Raiders’ standing in the transfer portal rankings but also highlights the competitive nature of recruiting in today’s college football environment. With Texas Tech adding a robust lineup of 18 transfers—12 of whom are four-star players—LSU’s class of 16 additions, featuring 10 four-stars, finds itself in a fierce battle. Join me as we dive into the implications of these moves, the ratings of the top transfer classes, and what this means for the future of both programs. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing season ahead! LEARN MORE

Bailey is the No. 3 ranked defensive end in the class. The Tigers also landed a top three ranked edge rusher, signing former Florida State defender Patrick Payton.Per 247, Bailey is the No. 10 ranked transfer in the 2025 portal class. He’s Texas Tech’s top-rated transfer of the cycle. TTU has revamped its front seven, also signing Romello Height, Lee Hunter, and Skyler Gill-Howard. That group makes up Texas Tech’s top four transfers.Texas Tech’s class has a higher overall rating, but LSU’s per-player average of 90.47 is better than the Red Raiders’ average of 89.67.

Texas Tech has now added 18 transfers, 12 of which are four-star players. LSU’s class sits at 16 additions, with 10 earning four-star labels.Three classes stand above the rest in 247Sports’ rankings: Texas Tech, LSU, and Ole Miss. Those three are the only teams with a class rating above 70. Oregon and Miami round out the top five.

LSU football no longer owns the top-ranked transfer portal class in college football. Former Stanford pass rusher David Bailey signed with Texas Tech, giving the Red Raiders the No. 1 ranked portal class in the country, according to 247Sports.