LSU football is facing another roster shake-up as safety  has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Although the portal does not officially open until December 9, numerous players across college football have already declared their plans to transfer. For LSU, Jackson’s departure adds to a growing list of players exiting the program.

The Tigers have already seen several notable names declare for the transfer portal, including quarterback Rickie Collins, wide receivers CJ Daniels and Shelton Sampson Jr., defensive back Jordan Allen, defensive end Da’Shawn Womack, and wide receiver Landon Ibieta. Jackson’s decision, made public on Wednesday afternoon, highlights the challenges LSU faces in retaining talent amid the ongoing portal activity.

Jackson, who played the hybrid Safety/Star position, was a key member of LSU’s defensive roster. As a recruit, he was highly rated and brought versatility and depth to the Tigers’ secondary. His transfer could leave a gap in LSU’s defensive lineup, increasing the urgency for the coaching staff to recruit replacements either through high school prospects or by leveraging the portal themselves.

This wave of transfers underscores the shifting landscape of college football, where players increasingly exercise their right to explore other opportunities. For LSU, these departures represent both a challenge and an opportunity. The program must address the immediate impact on roster depth while also reevaluating its recruiting and retention strategies to stay competitive.

Coach Brian Kelly and his staff will now focus on filling the voids left by these departures, particularly in light of the team’s goals for the upcoming season. LSU’s ability to attract talent through its own portal acquisitions and maintain its recruiting momentum will be critical as they prepare for the challenges of SEC competition.

While losing Jackson and others is a setback, the transfer portal remains a two-way street. It offers LSU a chance to rebuild and reinforce its roster with new talent, ensuring the program remains a strong contender in the ever-evolving college football landscape.