Dan Lanning and Oregon thought it had momentum. Jordan Seaton, the most coveted uncommitted OL in the transfer portal, was scheduled to visit Eugene. But the visit never happened. The Colorado transfer stayed an extra day in Baton Rouge, committed to Lane Kiffin and LSU, and sent a very public message that left little room for interpretation. 

On January 23, Jordan Seaton, aka The Franchise, shared an Instagram video where he hyped LSU and the state of Louisiana as a whole. But first, he reminded Lane Kiffin and co. about what they’re getting in him too. The video started with the voices of national reporters calling him “arguably the best left tackle in all of college football” and a “potential projected first round draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.” The message then shifted to his own words. 

“Summing up by saying this, this place is different,” Jordan Seaton said via his IG reel on January 23. “They say it’s different in Louisiana. But it’s hard to put it into words… It’s art and music, culture and creativity. It’s about the unrivaled pride for the state of Louisiana and the unrivaled passion for the Bayou Bengals.”

He spoke about family, creativity, structure, and swagger, repeatedly framing LSU as the standard. 

“I guess you could say we’re on the right track,” he added.

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Oregon had reasons to believe it was in the race. Dan Lanning and OL coach A’lique Terry traveled to see Jordan Seaton. He posted photos with the Ducks’ staff, flashing the “O” hand sign. His public praise for QB Dante Moore only added fuel. 

Moore’s decision to return positioned Oregon as a CFP contender with stability at QB and a clear opening at left tackle after multiple departures. That opening will not be filled by  6’5, 330-pound tackle, however. Jordan Seaton visited LSU this past weekend and posted from inside Tiger Stadium alongside Lane Kiffin and his nephew. The visit sealed it as LSU closed.

For Lane Kiffin, landing Jordan Seaton is a roster-defining win. He becomes LSU’s 40th transfer addition and the third Top-5 transfer, joining QB Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 QB in portal and No. 1 edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen. 

A former Five-Star Plus+ prospect from IMG Academy, Jordan Seaton started 22 games at Colorado, earned back-to-back second-team All-Big 12 honors, and graded as the highest-rated true freshman pass-protecting tackle in 2024 per PFF. He allowed no sacks in 11 of his first 13 games and carried a 91.4 grade into his sophomore season. He allowed just 2.0 sacks on 328 pass-blocking snaps this season.

LSU secured a franchise LT who can still play for two years. That’s good because the O-line struggled badly last season. But then the Tigers brought in more additions like Ja’Mard Jones, Sean Thompkins, Aliou Bah, and Devin Harper. Jordan Seaton’s commitment upgrades that group as a legit 5-star threat. Couple his presence with Sam Leavitt, and LSU already feels formidable on offense for the 2026 season. And that single decision fits into the larger blueprint Lane Kiffin brought with him to Baton Rouge.

Lane Kiffin’s transfer portal blueprint takes shape at LSU

With Lane Kiffin’s arrival, a lot of things changed. After leaving Ole Miss in late November, he signed a lucrative $91M deal with LSU. But their roster is coming off a disappointing 7-6 season. So he worked right on that. The Tigers’ 2026 class features 17 HS recruits and 40 incoming transfers with three 5-stars and 11 4-stars. And of course, it’s the No. 1 class in the nation. 

ESPN’s Craig Haubert voiced a reality on Lane Kiffin. 

“LSU knew hiring Lane Kiffin would invite plenty of scrutiny, but also plenty of big fish in the transfer portal,” he wrote. “The Tigers emerged from the transfer cycle with one of the most dynamic players available.”

The Tigers’ 349.00 composite score from 247Sports leads the 2026 class, a little ahead of Texas. Beyond volume, the quality and eligibility profile stand out. Aside from the three No. 1 players mentioned, LSU’s class consists of 4-star players like QB Husan Longstreet, WRs Eugene Wilson III and Jayce Brown, among others. Several additions, including Umanmielen and safety Ty Benefield, arrive with multiple years remaining, giving LSU both immediate impact and future stability.

With Sam Leavitt at QB, eight portal O-linemen, and Jordan Seaton now anchoring the left side, LSU has positioned itself for a fast turnaround. The Tigers will open the 2026 season at home against Clemson on September 5, a game that will offer an early referendum on Lane Kiffin’s approach.