Brian Kelly stated that LSU isn’t in the business of purchasing players following the portal problems.

Kelly provided an update on the Tigers’ quest for defensive tackles, emphasizing the ongoing progress at LSU.

LSU’s head coach, Brian Kelly, has recently achieved consecutive seasons with 10 wins for the team in purple and gold. However, with the dawn of the name, image, and likeness era, he faces the challenge of assembling championship-worthy rosters.

In a conversation with WAFB’s Jacques Doucet, Kelly made a strong statement regarding LSU’s stance on NIL.

The LSU football CEO emphasized, “we are not in the business of purchasing players.”

“Regrettably, some individuals are currently seeking that,” Kelly expressed to WAFB. “They’re seeking to be bought.”

Instead of simply acquiring talent, Kelly emphasized the significance of player development, fostering relationships,

and more as the pitch for the Tigers. It’s a new era in college football, and LSU is certainly adapting, but the cost for some players remains exceedingly high.

“If you appreciate our approach to developing players, integrating you into a championship program, playing in front

of the nation’s best fan base, competing for titles, and having opportunities for NIL, then LSU is the right fit for you,” Kelly affirmed. “But if your sole focus is financial gain, this isn’t the place for you.”

Kelly’s remarks come in the wake of LSU’s struggles to secure a defensive lineman through the NCAA Transfer Portal

thus far. Despite pursuing several targets, including the top two available defensive tackles in the free-agent market, LSU still lacks depth upfront.

“I’ve been clear in numerous press conferences that we’ve been active in recruiting via the transfer portal for

defensive linemen,” Kelly stated to WAFB. “But it hasn’t yielded much success because we’re offering something different.”

It’s worth noting that Kelly isn’t outright dismissing the new landscape of college football. However, due to the

escalating price of a former target, the program chose to step back from a bidding war.

Each situation is evaluated individually, and for a specific defensive tackle in the portal, LSU didn’t match other offers because they weren’t willing to engage in financial negotiations.

Now, LSU continues its search for players via the portal to bolster the defensive line as they prepare for summer workouts in the upcoming weeks.

Kelly maintains his belief that his players can evolve into the top athletes in the nation.

“We will nurture you, prepare you for the next level, just as we did with Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian

Thomas,” Kelly affirmed. “We’ve developed three defensive linemen who were all drafted this year. We’ll do it again. But if your sole motivation is monetary gain, you’re looking in the wrong place.”