LSU football edge rusher CJ Jackson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Jackson, a redshirt freshman, was the 32nd-ranked edge rusher in the class of 2024.
In his two seasons with the Tigers, Jackson tallied three tackles, two tackles for loss and half of a sack. Jackson announced his decision to transfer on Thursday afternoon, shortly following the news that LSU signed former South Carolina edge rusher Jaylen Brown. Brown’s arrival is likely a major factor in Jackson’s departure.
Advertisement
Jackson flipped his commitment from his hometown school, Georgia Tech, to LSU late in his high school recruitment. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with the Yellow Jackets during this portal cycle.
Jackson struggled to earn playing time in his first two seasons with the Tigers, recording 42 total defensive snaps over that stretch. He had the chance to see the field more often when sophomore edge rusher Gabriel Reliford tore his rotator cuff against Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4, but Jackson was still unable to break into the rotation.
Brown’s arrival, Reliford’s return, and the flashes seen from redshirt sophomore Dylan Carpenter were going to make it a real challenge for Jackson to see the field in 2026. Hopefully, he’ll land somewhere that offers him more opportunity than LSU was able to.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Talented LSU football freshman enters transfer portal
