News Report: LSU Football Lands Spot as Finalist for Elite Defensive Line Transfer Jimari Butler

News Report: LSU Football Lands Spot as Finalist for Elite Defensive Line Transfer Jimari Butler

The NCAA Transfer Portal has officially opened, and LSU Football is already making waves. Coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers have quickly emerged as a finalist for one of the most coveted defensive line transfers available this offseason—Jimari Butler, a standout edge rusher from Nebraska.

Butler, who played his fifth season with the Cornhuskers in 2024, has already narrowed his choices down to three schools: LSU, Florida State, and Texas A&M. According to On3 Sports, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman is seeking a fresh start after a solid career in Lincoln. He recorded 22 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks this past season, contributing to his impressive totals over his five years with Nebraska, which include 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

One of the primary reasons Butler is in the portal is the NCAA’s granting him a sixth year of eligibility, thanks to a COVID waiver from 2020, as well as a redshirt season he took in 2021. As he looks for a new destination, LSU, under Kelly’s leadership, is aggressively pursuing defensive reinforcements. With the Tigers set to lose key players on the defensive line—Sai’vion Jones and Bradyn Swinson—Butler’s addition could help fill that gap and strengthen LSU’s pass rush.

Florida State, under head coach Mike Norvell, is also a serious contender for Butler’s services. The Seminoles recently hired former Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to their recruitment efforts. With LSU’s defensive line needing a boost, Butler would be a significant addition to their roster.

In addition to Butler, LSU is also eyeing other key players in the portal. One of the most notable is cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, a former top-3 recruit who announced his decision to enter the portal earlier this week. Jackson, who spent two seasons at Florida, has ties to LSU’s coaching staff, as defensive backs coach Robert Steeples was his recruiter during his time with the Gators. LSU is likely to be heavily involved in Jackson’s recruitment as they look to rebuild their secondary.

On the offensive side of the ball, LSU is monitoring Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown, another highly sought-after transfer. Brown, who has 122 career receptions, 1,528 yards, and 11 touchdowns in three seasons at Kentucky, would bring speed and versatility to LSU’s offense. With LSU, Ole Miss, Florida State, and Texas A&M all showing interest in Brown, he is expected to be a hot commodity.

The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on December 9, and LSU is off to a fast start, making moves for several key players as they aim to strengthen their roster for the 2024 season. The portal closes on December 28, so expect plenty of activity in the coming weeks.