Brian Kelly Comments on Pair of LSU Football Transfer Wideouts to Keep Tabs On

The 2025 offseason has been a particularly eventful one for LSU football, as Brian Kelly and his staff have worked tirelessly to build a roster that can compete at the highest level in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Among the most significant moves has been the addition of two highly talented wide receivers from the transfer portal: both of whom are poised to make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ offense. LSU’s head coach, Brian Kelly, recently shared his thoughts on these new additions and the potential they bring to the team.

While LSU has long been known for its power-running game and dominant defense, the 2025 season marks a shift in offensive philosophy under Kelly’s leadership. The Tigers have become more dynamic and pass-heavy in recent years, and the addition of these two wideouts is expected to bolster an already dangerous offensive unit.

In this article, we will dive deep into Brian Kelly’s comments about the pair of transfer wideouts, analyze their backgrounds and skill sets, and explore how they could shape LSU’s offensive identity moving forward. Additionally, we’ll take a closer look at the importance of the transfer portal in the modern college football landscape and how LSU has positioned itself to take advantage of this new era of player movement.

The Transfer Portal: A New Era for College Football

Before diving into the specifics of the two new wide receivers at LSU, it’s essential to understand the broader context of the transfer portal in college football. Introduced in 2018, the transfer portal has radically changed the way college programs recruit, retain, and develop players. It has given athletes greater freedom to explore new opportunities, while also allowing programs to fill gaps on their rosters with immediate-impact players.

The transfer portal has been particularly important for teams like LSU, who are competing at the highest level and need to quickly address specific needs in order to maintain national championship aspirations. The ability to bring in experienced players who can contribute right away has given programs a major advantage, particularly when they are in need of immediate help in key positions.

For LSU, wide receiver has been a critical position of focus in recent years. The Tigers’ offense has traditionally relied on a strong running game and a solid defense, but with Brian Kelly at the helm, the focus has shifted toward developing a more balanced and potent offensive attack. This has made wide receiver a position of great importance, and the addition of these two transfers only strengthens LSU’s depth at the position.

Brian Kelly’s Thoughts on the Transfer Wideouts

In a recent press conference, Brian Kelly shared his excitement about the new transfer wide receivers and explained how they fit into LSU’s vision for the 2025 season. Kelly emphasized the importance of both players in solidifying the Tigers’ receiving corps and expressed his confidence in their ability to contribute right away.

Kelly was particularly vocal about the versatility these new wideouts bring to the offense. “Both of these players have the skill sets that we were looking for,” Kelly remarked. “They’re not just one-dimensional players. They can do a lot of different things. They’re fast, they have great hands, and they both know how to use their bodies to make plays. Whether it’s catching the ball on a deep route or making a tough catch in traffic, we know they’ll be a big part of our offense moving forward.”

Kelly also mentioned how these transfers complement the current players already on the roster. LSU has a few returning wide receivers who have shown promise, but the depth that these transfers bring to the position is a significant boost for the Tigers. Kelly noted, “The competition at wide receiver is fierce, and that’s exactly what we want. We’ve got a mix of returning guys who have been productive, along with these transfers who bring a wealth of experience and talent. The depth at this position is going to make us more dangerous.”

The Two Key Transfers: Who Are They?

While Brian Kelly has spoken highly of these two transfer wide receivers, let’s take a closer look at who they are, their backgrounds, and what they bring to the table for LSU.

1. Malik Washington – The Deep Threat

Malik Washington, a transfer from the University of North Carolina, is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the transfer portal this offseason. Known for his incredible speed and explosive playmaking ability, Washington is expected to be an immediate difference-maker for LSU.

Washington has a reputation as a deep threat, with the ability to take the top off a defense with his blazing speed. His quickness and ability to stretch the field make him a dangerous weapon in any offense, and his skills will complement LSU’s quarterback play, which has been solidified with an experienced signal-caller.

At North Carolina, Washington was one of the top targets in the passing game. In his last season with the Tar Heels, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He showcased an ability to get open deep downfield, and his proficiency in creating separation from defenders will be a key asset for LSU’s offensive attack. What makes Washington even more dangerous is his ability to make plays after the catch. He is tough to bring down in the open field, and his elusiveness gives LSU an added dimension to their offense.

Washington’s experience in high-pressure games will also be beneficial for LSU, especially as they navigate the SEC schedule. His ability to come through in big moments and provide a reliable target for the quarterback will be crucial for LSU’s success.

2. Derrick Brown – The Physical Possession Receiver

The second transfer wide receiver making waves at LSU is Derrick Brown, who joins the Tigers from Oklahoma State. Brown is a different type of wideout compared to Malik Washington—while Washington is the deep threat, Brown is the more physical possession receiver who can win contested catches and provide a reliable target on short to intermediate routes.

At Oklahoma State, Brown was known for his exceptional route running and ability to create separation in tight spaces. Standing at 6’3” and weighing in at 215 pounds, Brown is a physical presence on the field. His size, combined with strong hands and precise route-running, allows him to win jump balls and make catches in traffic, making him a reliable target for both quick slants and red-zone opportunities.

In his final season at Oklahoma State, Brown recorded over 800 receiving yards and scored 6 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a consistent presence in the passing game. His physical style of play and ability to make tough catches in the middle of the field will be invaluable to LSU, especially when facing tough SEC defenses.

Brown is also known for his leadership and work ethic, which are qualities that Brian Kelly values greatly. “Derrick brings a lot to the table, not just as a player but as a leader,” Kelly said. “He’s a guy who can mentor the younger players and set an example in the locker room. His toughness and professionalism are exactly what we need as we continue to build a championship-caliber team.”

How These Transfers Impact LSU’s Offense

With Malik Washington and Derrick Brown now part of LSU’s offense, the Tigers’ passing game is set to take on a new dynamic. Brian Kelly’s shift toward a more balanced and pass-heavy offensive scheme is already showing promise, and these two wideouts provide the necessary tools to elevate LSU’s aerial attack to the next level.

Washington’s speed and ability to stretch the field will open up opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps. Defenders will need to respect his deep-ball ability, which will force opposing defenses to play deeper, creating more space for other receivers to operate underneath. Additionally, Washington’s deep-threat ability will help free up the running game by preventing defenses from stacking the box against LSU’s talented running backs.

On the other hand, Brown’s physicality and possession skills will give LSU a reliable target in the intermediate range. He can be trusted on third downs or in the red zone to make tough catches in tight spaces, moving the chains or scoring crucial touchdowns. Brown’s experience and ability to make contested catches will be particularly important in high-pressure situations, where LSU can rely on him to come through.

The versatility of these two players allows LSU to be more unpredictable on offense. With a mix of speed, physicality, and reliable hands, Brian Kelly will be able to draw up a variety of passing schemes that keep opposing defenses guessing.

The SEC and LSU’s Championship Aspirations

The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and LSU’s ability to compete at the highest level requires top-tier talent in all areas of the game. The addition of Malik Washington and Derrick Brown is a major step in bolstering the Tigers’ offense, which will be key to LSU’s championship aspirations.

With a strong quarterback under center and an offensive line capable of giving him time to throw, LSU’s passing attack looks poised to be one of the most dynamic in the SEC. The combination of talented running backs, an improved passing game, and a solid defense makes LSU one of the most complete teams in the country heading into the 2025 season.

While much of the attention in the SEC often falls on powerhouse programs like Alabama and Georgia, LSU’s additions in the transfer portal, particularly at wide receiver, have put them in a strong position to challenge for the SEC West title and beyond. The addition of Washington and Brown brings a new level of depth and playmaking ability to LSU’s offense, making them a team to watch in the coming season.

Conclusion

Brian Kelly’s comments on the pair of LSU football transfer wideouts provide a clear picture of what the Tigers are looking to accomplish in the 2025 season. With the additions of Malik Washington and Derrick Brown, LSU has significantly strengthened their receiving corps and set themselves up for success in a highly competitive SEC. Both players bring unique skill sets to the table, and their versatility gives LSU’s offense a newfound dynamic.

As the season progresses, these transfers are likely to play pivotal roles in LSU’s quest for another SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. With a mix of experience, talent, and leadership, Washington and Brown will be crucial pieces in Brian Kelly’s vision for a championship-caliber team. LSU fans have plenty to be excited about as the Tigers continue to build momentum heading into the 2025 season.