LSU made a significant offseason move by securing former Florida State defensive end Patrick Payton from the transfer portal. Payton, the 2022 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, committed to head coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers on Sunday, according to On3 Sports. This addition addresses a key defensive need after LSU’s struggles on that side of the ball during the 2024 season.
Payton spent four seasons at Florida State and has one year of eligibility remaining. His production dipped slightly in 2024, finishing with 35 tackles and four sacks. However, his standout sophomore season in 2023 saw him record 43 tackles, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles, earning him honorable mention All-ACC honors. At 6-foot-5, Payton is expected to step in as a starting edge rusher for LSU, replacing the departing Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones, who combined for 13 sacks last season.
Despite LSU’s defense generating 33 sacks in 2024, Payton’s addition brings top-tier talent to a defensive front losing veteran contributors. At the time of his commitment, Payton was regarded as one of the top five players in the transfer portal and the best available edge rusher. With a strong season at LSU, he could elevate his NFL draft stock for 2026, having been considered a fringe prospect after 2024.
Payton’s commitment comes shortly before LSU’s final game of the season in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, where the Tigers will face Baylor. Both teams hold 8-4 records, but Baylor enters with momentum after a six-game winning streak, while LSU struggled late, losing three straight games to Texas A&M, Alabama, and Florida before rebounding against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.
The Texas Bowl will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, offering Baylor a home-field advantage as a Texas-based team, with LSU traveling further to compete. Payton’s arrival signals LSU’s focus on rebuilding its defense for a stronger 2025 campaign.
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