LSU Football finds itself at the NCAA scholarship cap of 85 after two players, tight end Connor Gilbreath and walk-on defensive back Ryan Robinson Jr., entered the transfer portal. Gilbreath, a Juco transfer, played predominantly as a short-yardage blocking tight end in 2023, featuring in 13 games for the Tigers. However, with limited playing time anticipated due to the presence of other tight ends like Mason Taylor, Mac Markway, and Ka’Morreun Pimpton, his departure was expected.

Robinson, a three-star recruit from New Orleans, opted to walk on at LSU instead of accepting a scholarship elsewhere. Despite appearing in four games primarily on special teams, he decided to explore other opportunities by entering the transfer portal.

These transfers have brought LSU Football to its scholarship cap of 85, following the Spring Transfer window with an initial count of 88 scholarship players. Any additions to the roster, particularly in areas like defensive line depth, will necessitate corresponding departures to maintain compliance with NCAA regulations.

LSU Football is keeping the key pieces in place

In the early stages of the Spring Transfer portal period, LSU has managed to retain all key players expected to contribute in the upcoming 2024 season. This stability comes as a relief, considering the widespread anticipation for significant movement during this transfer window, particularly for a program like LSU renowned for its high-quality depth.

With the roster intact, LSU is now focusing on bolstering its lineup, particularly on the defensive line, aiming to fortify its College Football Playoff-caliber roster. The Tigers have already extended a scholarship offer to Kent State defensive tackle CJ West, indicating their proactive approach to recruitment. As the transfer landscape begins to settle, it’s expected that LSU will continue pursuing additional talent by offering scholarships to prospective players.

While some minor departures, primarily involving depth players, are anticipated, the program isn’t expected to experience any major upheavals in terms of player exits.

LSU tight end has decided to enter the transfer portal after one season

LSU’s backup tight end, Connor Gilbreath, announced his entry into the transfer portal on Wednesday. Originally from California, Gilbreath spent one season at LSU after beginning his collegiate career at Butte College. With two more seasons of eligibility remaining, he now seeks opportunities elsewhere.

Primarily utilized as a blocking tight end during his time at LSU, Gilbreath appeared in every game last season, contributing 56 snaps, particularly in short-yardage situations when the Tigers deployed multiple tight ends.

However, with junior Mason Taylor, sophomore Mac Markway, and sophomore Ka’Morreun Pimpton ahead of him on the spring depth chart, Gilbreath faced limited prospects for significant playing time. Additionally, LSU is set to welcome Trey’Dez Green, the top tight end recruit in the 2024 class according to the 247Sports composite rankings, further reducing Gilbreath’s potential role.

Gilbreath’s decision marks the third departure from LSU’s roster this spring, following edge rusher Jaxon Howard and wide receiver Khai Prean into the transfer portal.