Timing is crucial in the chaos of college football’s transfer portal! As LSU tried to build momentum after spring practices, it was dealt an untimely blow that could ripple beyond just the defensive line. A key loss in the trenches, mixed with brewing roster uncertainty, now forces head coach Brian Kelly into a critical phase of damage control, especially with star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at the center of the program’s future plans.
The situation came to a head with the sudden departure of 315-pound defensive tackle Dilan Battle. Battle, a major recruiting win tied directly to former defensive line coach Bo Davis, entered the portal without playing a single down for the Tigers. When he was added to the program, Brian Kelly was all praises for the DT. “Dylan Battle is another player for us that you know fulfilled the defensive tackle position. He is heavyhanded, physical inside. Bo Davis really liked his ability to disrupt at the defensive tackle position,” Kelly had said.
Battle’s exit wasn’t just about depth chart congestion—it was deeply tied to Davis’s move to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. Without his primary recruiter and facing a crowded interior line featuring veterans like Jacobian Guillory and Ahmad Breaux and a loaded freshman group, Battle’s decision to leave LSU made too much sense to ignore.
But that’s where the challenge intensifies for Kelly. The Tigers’ defensive tackle room was already thin on proven production. Aside from Guillory’s modest five career starts, the unit lacked experience at the Power Five level. The host of the After Further Review: LSU show discussed the whole situation.
As per reports, the Tigers are looking to add Bernard Gooden from South Florida. His visit to campus signaled LSU’s attempt to shore up a position critical to its defense, especially as Kyle Williams takes over as the new defensive line coach. Gooden’s physical profile, though different from the outgoing Battle, aligns with LSU’s shift towards quicker, more forceful interior players who can generate pressure.
What does Gooden bring to the table? “So you look at a guy like Bernard Gooden, who started 11 of the 13 games this past year at South Florida. He’s been around college football for four years now, going into his fifth year,” the host said.
For Kelly, however, the deeper concern isn’t just plugging holes—it’s protecting the bigger picture. Every unexpected departure, especially one connected to coaching changes, fuels skepticism among players like Garrett Nussmeier who are counting on program stability. Kelly must send a clear message that LSU remains fully in control of its trajectory or risk losing much more than a defensive lineman.
Growing Portal Pressure Around Garrett Nussmeier
LSU’s roster issues don’t stop at the defensive line. According to a recent report, Kelly is under increasing pressure to keep Garrett Nussmeier committed to LSU amid growing competition in the portal. Nussmeier, who threw for 1,886 yards last season, is a vital piece of LSU’s future, but his commitment isn’t guaranteed. The portal remains a looming threat, especially as other schools look to poach top talent, and Nussmeier could be one of them if things don’t shake out as planned.
The ongoing pursuit of Michael Van Buren Jr., a top quarterback prospect from Oregon complicates Kelly’s position. LSU has shown serious interest, but it creates a delicate balancing act. Bringing in another highly touted quarterback could energize the depth chart—or unsettle Nussmeier if it appears the staff is hedging bets. Managing this dynamic carefully is critical, especially after already dealing with major transfer losses like Battle on defense.
Ultimately, the 2025 season could define Kelly’s tenure at LSU—and the pressure is mounting fast. Keeping Nussmeier happy, ensuring the defensive line holds together, and navigating a fierce portal environment all at once is no small task. For Brian Kelly, the next few months will be about proving he can adapt, respond, and lead LSU through the volatility that defines today’s college football landscape.
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