**LSU Strengthens Top Transfer Class with Addition of USF DT Bernard Gooden**
LSU’s already elite transfer portal class has added another major piece, as former USF defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is reportedly joining the Tigers. Widely considered the top remaining player in the portal, Gooden ranked among the top 50 overall transfers and was listed as the No. 4 defensive lineman available. He arrives in Baton Rouge with one year of eligibility left.
A Montgomery, Alabama native, Gooden began his college career at Wake Forest before transferring to USF, where he spent the last two seasons. In 2023, he earned All-AAC honorable mention honors after recording 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 27 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus.
His addition boosts LSU’s interior defensive line depth significantly. Defensive line coach Kyle Williams will now have a deep rotation that includes Gooden, Jacobian Guillory, Dom McKinley, Ahmad Breaux, Shone Washington, and Sydir Mitchell—plus three incoming freshmen. After struggling with depth up front last season, this move represents a critical upgrade for LSU heading into 2025.
The spring transfer portal window officially closed yesterday, and LSU saw minimal attrition. Only three players entered: John Emery Jr. (granted a seventh year of eligibility), former walk-on WR/returner Javen Nicholas, and true freshman Dilan Battle. Battle’s departure is not a major surprise, especially following the exit of his primary recruiter, Bo Davis, who recently left for the New Orleans Saints.
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