LSU Speedy Playmaker to Enter Transfer Portal Amid Lane Kiffin News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 10:50 AM ET

It's finally official after weeks of rumors. Lane Kiffin has taken over as the head coach of the LSU Tigers following Brian Kelly's departure in October. He signed a seven-year, $91 million contract, joining Kirby Smart and Ryan Day as the only coaches earning beyond $12 million a year before incentives.

It's been just one day and Kiffin is already about to lose a playmaker. Wide receiver Jelani Watkins plans to enter the transfer portal, per Hayes Fawcett of On3.

Watkins is a true freshman two-sport athlete who arrived at LSU as a four-star football recruit and an elite high-school sprinter. He has split time between the Tigers’ football and track programs since arriving on campus, earning early recognition on the track and appearing sparingly on offense.

BREAKING: LSU WR Jelani Watkins plans to enter the @TransferPortal, his agent tells @On3sports

Watkins, a dual-sport phenom, ran a 10.02 100m at the NCAA Outdoor Track Finals

He’s repped by AiC CEO/GM @RudyCaamano ⁰⁰https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/IjReEOQ58m
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 2, 2025

On the track, Watkins has posted times that put him among LSU’s fast-rising sprinters. He ran a 10.02 in the 100 meters at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships semifinals. He has clocked times in the low 10s during the collegiate season, including wind-legal top marks at midseason invitationals.

Watkins redshirted his first year on the gridiron. In the 2025 season, he is credited with two catches for 21 yards (one of only a handful of offensive snaps). Watkins’ agent Rudy Caamano, CEO/GM of AiC, revealed the decision to On3.

LSU Tigers wide receiver Jelani Watkins (17) runs against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions during the second half at Tiger Stadium.© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

LSU finished the 2025 season with a 7-5 record, ranking 10th in the SEC. On the flip side, Kiffin's former program Ole Miss Rebels, is playoff-bound. Kiffin sought out a way to coach the team through the College Football Playoffs, but Keith Carter wasn't prepared to do that. Pete Golding has taken up the job as a permanent replacement.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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