Locked On LSU - Daily Podcast On LSU Tigers Football & Basketball

LSU’s LOW Returning Production Ranking… Why It Doesn’t Matter Anymore

Mar 24, 2026

They debate why returning production rankings no longer predict success in the transfer portal era. The show examines how adding transfers can replace lost players and reshape roster strategy. They compare 2025 examples and LSU’s 2026 returning numbers to argue for a new model of building a winner. There’s also a quick pro day roundup of Delane, Perkins, and Nussmeyer.

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INSIGHT

LSU Is 30th In Returning Production But Still Solid

Returning production ranks LSU 30th for 2026 despite returning about 61% offense and 60% defense production.
Matt Moscona notes LSU lost nearly all WR production but still returns most defensive production, explaining the middling rank.

INSIGHT

Portal Era Undermines Traditional Returning Production Logic

The transfer portal era breaks the old recruit-and-develop model, making returning production a weaker predictor.
Moscona cites ~25% annual transfer rate so many recruits never become upperclassmen leaders.

ANECDOTE

AJ Halsey Shows Stars At Signing Don’t Tell The Whole Story

Matt Moscona uses AJ Halsey as an example of a low‑star recruit who became a top contributor after transferring and development.
Halsey was a low three‑star, developed into an LSU starter and one of the team's best defenders by his final season.

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Returning production has long been one of the most trusted metrics in college football—but the 2025 College Football Playoff may have just blown that up.

The national champion ranked 38th in returning production. Clemson was No. 1 and went 7-6. Miami ranked 60th and played for the title.

So what changed?

In the transfer portal era, it’s no longer about what you return—it’s about what you add. We break down what the data shows, why this shift is happening, and what it means for LSU heading into 2026 with a low returning production ranking.

Should Tigers fans be concerned… or is this actually a sign of a new model for winning?

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LSU’s LOW Returning Production Ranking… Why It Doesn’t Matter Anymore

LSU Is 30th In Returning Production But Still Solid

Portal Era Undermines Traditional Returning Production Logic

AJ Halsey Shows Stars At Signing Don’t Tell The Whole Story

TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.