SEC Powerhouse Malik Blocton’s Baton Rouge Detour
Auburn defensive lineman Malik Blocton, rated the No. 9 defensive lineman in the transfer portal, arrived in Baton Rouge for an official visit with Lane Kiffin’s Tigers. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 290 pounds, Blocton posted 18 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in his sophomore season after contributing similarly in his freshman year. LSU is also fresh off adding Clemson’s Stephiylan Green to its trenches. The Tigers face competition from Texas A&M, Clemson, Ole Miss, and Alabama, but Kiffin’s pitch of “championship expectations” aims to lure Blocton to the Bayou. With near double-digit portal commitments, LSU is aggressively rebuilding toward its next title run.
In the grand carnival of college football’s Transfer Portal, Blocton’s trek to Baton Rouge feels like a game show challenge—“Come on down, SEC star, will you take home the golden helmet?” LSU’s roster has become a flea market of talent where coaches breeze through with clipboards, trying to snag free agents before their NCAA ‘Best By’ dates expire. Meanwhile, Kiffin is hosting a buffet of ex-tigers, ex-tigers, and more ex-tigers, all promising to relive the glory days. Somewhere between the scenic campus tour and the complimentary hush puppies, a defensive lineman will sign—though rumor has it the real prize is the free swag bag.
Ex-Crimson Tide Duo Plot LSU Ambush
LSU is courting two Alabama defensive linemen—edge rusher Qua Russaw and defensive lineman James Smith—both entered the transfer portal after underwhelming five-star expectations in Tuscaloosa. Russaw played in all 13 games in 2024, logging 36 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble, but saw diminished production in 2025. CBS Sports reports both prospects will visit LSU along with Ohio State, Missouri, Georgia, and Tennessee. The Tigers have already landed Clemson’s Stephiylan Green and are nearing double-digit portal signings as Lane Kiffin pushes to fortify his defensive front.
Here’s a daring strategy: when recruiting portals, just ring every Tom, Dick, and five-star Harry—and if they don’t bite, swap ’em for dog treats. LSU’s coach is auditioning a motley crew of transfer fugitives, parading them in like contestants on “Survivor: Bayou Edition.” You can almost hear the voice-over: “Will Qua out-tackle his suitors? Can James charm the Tiger faithful?” By the time sign-day rolls around, Baton Rouge will have hosted more visitors than Sesame Street.
From Tigers to Bulls: Van Buren’s Floridian Farewell
Michael Van Buren, LSU’s closing signal-caller in 2025, has committed to the South Florida Bulls under coach Brian Hartline, announcing his decision on social media. The Maryland native transferred to LSU from Mississippi State, where he threw for 1,010 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions late in the season. With Van Buren’s departure, LSU is left without scholarship quarterbacks as Garrett Nussmeier prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft and Colin Hurley also enters the portal. Van Buren will have two seasons of eligibility remaining in Tampa.
In the soap opera of college quarterback carousel, Van Buren’s exit to South Florida reads like the spin-off nobody asked for—but everyone will tune in. LSU’s QB depth chart went from “quarterback sandwich” to “airball” in one transfer window. Now, the Tigers are hosting talent hunts for backup signal-callers like they’re speed-dating at a coaching convention. Meanwhile, Van Buren probably just wanted better weather and a chance to dodge late-season defensive blitzes. Who could blame him?
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