Brian Kelly addresses how LSU is approaching decision on whether or not to add a transfer QB

LSU coach Brian Kelly was honest about the team’s approach to the transfer portal, especially if the Tigers were to add a quarterback this offseason.

Jayden Daniels, a potential Heisman Trophy winner, is off to the NFL after the season. Garrett Nussmeier, whom the team is high on, is the expected starter next year.

But that wouldn’t necessarily stop a top tier SEC program from improving the most important position.

“Look, I mean, all the questions that you bring up relative to the transfer portal, you answer them as well,” Kelly said. “Like your question had an answer to it, right? Look, this is this is a world that we live in. That’s got to be handled with transparency. If not, you’re gonna find yourself without the right personnel. 

“So if we were to ever do anything in the transfer portal, relative to a quarterback, we’re talking to everybody in that room and we’re talking to recruits, we’re talking to everybody. It is about transparency. It’s about honesty, and it’s about saying, if we’re doing that, here’s why we’re doing it. And then making a decision and doing it.” 

Nussmeier is a viable option, but if there’s an opportunity to make an upgrade, teams like LSU likely wouldn’t hesitate if they have the chance. In three seasons, appearing here and there (17 total games), Nussmeier has 1,325 yards on 98-of-174 throwing (56.3%), eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

“Because again, the most important thing here is what’s in the best interest of the LSU football program, not what’s in the best interest of the singular person,” Kelly said. “So everything that we do in the portal is going to be to that end. Just like I mentioned relative to coaches, I mean, it’s not personal. Okay. I know it has a personal end of it with families that are involved, and they may have to pull their kids out of school, and they may have to move and that’s difficult. 

“But at the end of the day, the decisions that I have to make are in the best interest of the LSU football program.”

Despite Daniels’ great season, LSU fell to 9-3 this year and missed out on the SEC Championship Game. If someone else can replicate that type of season, then perhaps LSU has a chance.

For now, Kelly is keeping his plans close to the vest. But with the portal open, there’s an opportunity here. But it’s a wait and see approach.