From consecutive 10-win seasons to drifting deep into the abyss of southeastern mediocrity. A storied program such as the LSU Tigers cannot afford blips like this. Amidst a season doomed from late October, the recruitment landscape for 2025 has admittedly been at the forefront of the fans and Brian Kelly alike. Things seem to be clicking into gear in Baton Rouge after a rough Signing Day. However, their latest recruit has not spewed a unified jubilance.

As vital as recruitment from high school continues to be, it is not quintessential in the modern CFB sphere. In this era of constant evolution, another channel of opportunity exists. The transfer portal can substantiate shortcomings on the recruitment front. In fact, it proves to be a more instantaneous solution for programs that are seeking a turnaround in fortunes. Brian Kelly has dipped into the portal and acquired QB Michael Van Buren from Mississippi State.

On3’s recruitment expert, Hawes Fawcett, announced that the true freshman has committed to LSU on Sunday. Van Buren was a 4-star recruit in the 2024 class and was Mississippi State’s highest-ranked recruit. He picked the Bulldogs after initially committing to the Oregon Ducks. Alas, his time there didn’t last long, despite opportunities from the onset.

Michael Van Buren was thrown into the deep end as early as September after Blake Shapen, whom he was deputising behind, conjured a season-ending shoulder injury. Van Buren more than held his own, throwing for 1,886 yards and 16 total TDs in 9 games. With Shapen poised to return for one more season, Van Buren perhaps felt it was a good time for what can be perceived as a step-up to LSU.

The reaction to this among the Tigers’ faithful has been mixed. That doesn’t have much to do with any skepticism of Van Buren. It has to do with the knock-on effect of this move for current backup QB Colin Hurley. In the comments section of the IG post breaking this move, a faction of equal parts bemused and concerned fans let their feelings be known.

LSU fans are perplexed at Brian Kelly’s decision to onboard Van Buren

Certain LSU fans were explicitly disappointed with Brian Kelly and the program for this move. “Signing true freshman transfers when you’ve yet to get Colin Hurley snaps is insane”, read one comment. Hurley is himself a true freshman 4-star and deputised QB1 Garrett Nussmeier. “We already got Colin we don’t need him” said another Tigers’ fan.

Naturally, there is sorry that Van Buren’s imminent arrival could mean Hurley decides to move on. ​​”@colinhurley11 I’m begging you to not leave biggest bro🙏🙏🙏” read one comment in line with this notion. “What abt Colin Hurley” and “Wonder what this means for Colin Hurley” evidenced the perplexing nature of the move.

One fan was also of the belief it’s a poor decision on Michael Van Buren’s part to jump ship. “Bad move for him with nuss coming back, unless van buren redshirts” they said. With Nuss returning for his final year of eligibility, a QB controversy isn’t quite imminent just yet. Brian Kelly’s proactive approach looking ahead to 2026 makes sense in light of LSU’s failure to land Bryce Underwood. It remains to be seen what the future entails for Colin Hurley’s disposition in Baton Rouge.