LSU football was active in college football’s 2025 transfer portal. According to 247Sports, the Tigers signed the top-ranked transfer class in the country.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly promised that LSU would be aggressive — LSU came through on that promise.
“We believe that this group now is such that we can compete for a championship,” Kelly said.
LSU addressed several positions of need, including defensive end. The Tigers are losing veterans Bradyn Swinson and Sai’Vion Jones to the NFL, while Da’Shawn Womack transferred to Ole Miss. That left LSU lacking numbers at the edge rusher position.
LSU managed to add three defensive ends in the portal. Florida State’s Patrick Payton, Florida’s Jack Pyburn, and Nebraska’s Jimari Butler.
Today, we’ll look at what LSU is getting from Payton. According to 247Sports, Payton is the No. 6 ranked player in this year’s transfer portal. That makes him one of the top-ranked transfer signees in LSU history. Here’s what Tiger fans need to know about Payton.
Payton’s high school recruiting rating
Payton was a four-star in the 2021 recruiting class. On3 was high on Payton, ranking him as the No. 40 overall prospect and No. 6 linebacker.
Opinions differed on Payton, though. In the On3 Industry Rankings, he was the No. 180 overall recruit and No. 22 linebacker.
ESPN was the lowest on Payton, slotting him No. 65 at his position.
When did Payton begin to see the field at Florida State?
Payton didn’t play much as a true freshman. In 2021, he saw just 16 defensive snaps.
In 2022, Payton claimed a much bigger role with the Seminoles. As a sophomore, Payton played 367 snaps. He recorded 20 pressures, converting three of them into sacks. Payton registered 22 tackles, per PFF.
Payton has SEC size
At 6-5, 250-pounds, Payton has the size to play defensive end in the SEC. That makes him slightly bigger than Bradyn Swinson, who played the JACK role for LSU in 2024.
Payton’s physicality gives LSU versatility up front. He can defend the run and get after the passer. That makes it easier for everyone playing around him.
Payton adds significant experience to LSU’s defensive line
LSU needed experience at defensive end. Swinson and Jones were among the most experienced defensive ends in the conference. That’s a lot of snaps to replace.
Payton brings over 1,570 defensive snaps to LSU, making him one of the most experienced defenders in the transfer portal. Payton held starting roles with Florida State in 2023 and 2024 and was one of the most productive ACC defensive ends in that time.
In four years with the Noles, Payton totaled 90 pressures and 14 sacks. He made 74 tackles and assisted on 22 more. Payton added 68 stops, including 28 in 2023.
How did Payton fare when playing LSU football?
Florida State and LSU met in 2022 and 2023 — the Noles won both meetings.
Payton played in both games, starting the 2023 contest. He racked up three pressures and two tackles against Jayden Daniels and the Tigers in 2023.
In 2022, he played just seven snaps, not recording any stats.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football transfer breakdown: 5 things to know about Patrick Payton
