Will Lane Kiffin still use the transfer portal at LSU?

While Kiffin gained fame as the 'Portal King' at Ole Miss, the article suggests a potential shift towards prioritizing high school recruiting at LSU for building championship teams.

Is high school recruiting still important in college football?

Yes, many college football personnel believe championship teams are primarily built through high school recruiting, supplemented by the transfer portal.

What are LSU's recruiting advantages over Ole Miss?

LSU has a stronger historical average recruiting ranking and a significant advantage in securing in-state talent compared to Ole Miss.

Home / Sports / Kiffin's LSU Shift: High School Talent Over Portal Kings?

Kiffin's LSU Shift: High School Talent Over Portal Kings?

5 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Championship teams are increasingly built via high school recruiting.
LSU boasts superior average recruiting rankings compared to Ole Miss.
In-state recruiting offers a significant, cost-effective advantage for LSU.

Kiffin's LSU Shift: High School Talent Over Portal Kings?

Lane Kiffin, famously known as the 'Portal King' during his tenure at Ole Miss, is now at LSU, potentially signaling a strategic evolution. While transfer portal players have been crucial for recent successes, the prevailing belief among college football personnel is that true championship contenders are fundamentally built through high school recruiting. LSU's established recruiting prowess, significantly outranking Ole Miss historically, presents a more sustainable model for long-term success.

Data indicates a strong correlation between high school recruitment and College Football Playoff success, with semifinal teams consistently relying on homegrown talent. Although key transfers like Michael Penix Jr. have been pivotal, the foundational strength of top programs rests on players signed from high school. This approach is also proving more cost-effective in the current revenue-sharing climate.