CFB is changing fast, and NIL has flipped recruiting upside down. And because of this, coaches now face challenges that used to be afterthoughts. However, LSU isn’t just keeping up—it’s adapting. And Brian Kelly is shaking things up, turning LSU’s spring game into a fan-focused spectacle. Well, instead of a routine scrimmage, it’ll be an electrifying event, bringing fans closer to the action. As of now, with 15 practices leading up to it, this new approach will showcase talent, energy, and the future of LSU football. But will Kelly’s strategy work?

Yes, Brian Kelly’s LSU is making waves in the transfer portal, stacking the roster with elite talent. With safety Tamarcus Cooley on board, the 2025 class now boasts 16 impact players. But this isn’t just about adding numbers—it’s about building a powerhouse. And Kelly’s strategy is clear—target the right players, reload the roster, and keep LSU in championship contention. And now, he’s breaking his silence on the master plan behind it all.

On LSU Tigers on TigerBait, Brian Kelly opened up about LSU’s progress. When asked about his approach to bringing in 16 transfers, he didn’t hesitate, and Kelly broke it down with a clear vision, stating, “There’s a lot of ways to slice this. Like, going into the transfer world—or free agency, or whatever you want to call it, whether it’s the NFL or college—the base of your program has to be 50% or greater, in my breakdown of putting together a program, of incumbent players. Because there has to be a culture or standard within your program that can stand bringing in new people into an organization.”

So, for Kelly, the portal isn’t just about talent—it’s about balance, and he’s building a winning formula, blending experience with fresh playmakers. Look, whether it’s a football team or a Fortune 500 company, success starts with stability, because you can’t overhaul a roster without a strong foundation. And for LSU, that foundation was solid—over 55% of the team was made up of returning players; which gave them the flexibility to bring in talent without disrupting the culture. And the magic number? It’s “between 14 and 16” transfers, per Kelly, which is enough to strengthen the roster while keeping the balance that fuels long-term success.

But that wasn’t always the case. Yes, the year before, LSU had to take a different approach. The roster wasn’t at 55%, so stacking up on transfers wasn’t an option. Instead, they focused on freshmen—building from the ground up, shaping the future. So, it was all about patience and strategy. But now, the foundation is set, so the Tigers are in a position to reload. And Brian Kelly put it best, saying, “This year, we were in a position that we needed to build the roster strength, and that’s why we were able to go.”

As of now, while Coach Kelly is building LSU’s future, the Bryce Underwood blunder changes the game. This loss made the LSU Tigers go for an $18 million power move.

An overview of LSU’s $18M pivot

If there was ever a moment that shook LSU to its core, it was losing out on one of the most prized QB recruits in recent history. Well, 5-star Bryce Underwood’s shocking flip to Michigan wasn’t just a loss—it was a wake-up call. And the Tigers had to adjust, and fast. Because tradition and prestige were no longer enough. And while the landscape had changed, LSU had no choice but to adapt or fall behind.

Following that, Pete Nakos stated, “If Bryce Underwood’s decision to flip to Michigan was a flashpoint, it’s resulted in a flush of NIL dollars.” The impact is nothing short of game-changing. Yes, LSU’s NIL budget has exploded past $18 million, more than doubling its previous total. As of now, it’s a bold response to the new era of CFB—where money talks and elite programs must keep up or get left behind.

The Tigers are therefore making a statement rather than merely staying up. But the goal of this financial competition is to take control, not merely stay ahead. And LSU’s NIL boost is already having a significant impact. “It’s partially the reason why the Tigers were able to put together an elite portal class, and that’s carried over into the 2026 recruiting cycle,” a source told On3.

Right now, it’s safe to say that the Tigers are winning rather than merely spending with a portal class ranked No. 6.