LSU head coach Brian Kelly has lauded the progress of Florida State transfer edge rusher Patrick Payton, highlighting his immense upside as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, according to a report by LSU Country on August 7, 2025. Payton, the 2022 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and the No. 1 edge rusher in the NCAA Transfer Portal per 247Sports, joined LSU in December 2024, bringing a stat line of 109 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks over three seasons with the Seminoles. Kelly’s comments after LSU’s first day in full pads on August 5 underscore Payton’s adaptation to a heavier workload, positioning him as a cornerstone of a revamped defensive line aiming to improve on last season’s 14th-ranked SEC scoring defense (24.3 points per game).[](https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/lsu-football-s-brian-kelly-evaluates-a-florida-state-transfer-edge-with-huge-upside-01k21dg8zvnn)
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Payton, who recorded 70 quarterback pressures and 35 run stops since 2023, is adjusting to LSU’s demanding system under defensive ends coach Kevin Peoples. Kelly noted, “Patrick’s handling a big workload he’s not quite familiar with, but he’s done a really good job,” emphasizing his growth in football shape and technique. Payton’s transfer was driven by a desire for further development, with Kelly stating, “He came here because he wanted to develop at a higher level,” beyond what he achieved at Florida State, where he earned 12 sacks over his first two seasons but saw reduced production (four sacks) in 2024 due to increased defensive attention.[](https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/lsu-football-s-brian-kelly-evaluates-a-florida-state-transfer-edge-with-huge-upside-01k21dg8zvnn)[](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/lsu-head-football-coach-brian-kelly-put-all-defensive-eggs-one-transfer-portal-acquisition-basket/e49242f2276b86e175b665dc)
LSU’s defensive line, bolstered by Payton alongside fellow transfers Jack Pyburn (Florida), Jimari Butler (Nebraska), and Bernard Gooden (South Florida), addresses the loss of NFL draftees Bradyn Swinson and Sai’Vion Jones. Payton competes with Pyburn, Butler, and returning sophomore Gabriel Reliford for starting spots, creating a “competitive situation” Kelly believes will elevate the unit. Payton’s versatility, with 12 pass breakups and three forced fumbles at Florida State, complements LSU’s aggressive portal strategy, which landed the nation’s top transfer class, including top-10 cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Ja’Keem Jackson. The Tigers’ defense, which struggled with pass efficiency (11th in the SEC), aims to leverage Payton’s explosiveness to disrupt opponents like No. 6 Clemson in their August 30 opener.[](https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/lsu-football-s-brian-kelly-evaluates-a-florida-state-transfer-edge-with-huge-upside-01k21dg8zvnn)[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6469622/2025/07/03/lsu-football-transfer-portal-brian-kelly/)
With Fall Camp intensifying, Payton’s integration is a focal point for Kelly, who has a history of maximizing transfer talent, as seen with 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. Sporting News’ Brad Crawford labeled Payton as LSU’s key defensive acquisition, suggesting he could emerge as an All-American candidate if he recaptures his early-career form. As LSU aims for a College Football Playoff berth after a 9-4 season, Payton’s ability to handle LSU’s rigorous scheme and compete in a stacked SEC will be critical. Kelly’s confidence in Payton’s work ethic and potential signals a transformative addition to a defense poised to make noise in 2025.[](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/lsu-head-football-coach-brian-kelly-put-all-defensive-eggs-one-transfer-portal-acquisition-basket/e49242f2276b86e175b665dc)
