LSU transfers that have faced Clemson

I find it fascinating that six LSU transfers were on teams that faced Clemson last year or the year before.  I think one really interesting storyline for this year’s game is how well Barion Brown did versus Clemson in the Taxslayer Gator Bowl at the end of 2023. I’m considering doing an article on all of LSU’s transfers.  The video links included in this article should get LSU fans hyped up about the possibilities of the transfers included in this article.

Barion Brown WR transfer from UK

Then-Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown put on an electrifying performance against Clemson in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on December 29, 2023. Although Kentucky ultimately lost a high-scoring game to Clemson 38-35, Brown delivered several highlight-reel plays. 

Here's a summary of Barion Brown's performance against Clemson:

• Scored three touchdowns: Brown scored via a 22-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second half, and a 60-yard receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter.

• Set a Gator Bowl record: His 100-yard kickoff return touchdown was the longest in TaxSlayer Gator Bowl history.

• Totaled 226 all-purpose yards: This included yards from kickoff returns, rushing, and receiving.

• Showcased elite speed: Brown demonstrated his exceptional speed on multiple occasions, especially on the long kickoff return and the 60-yard receiving touchdown. 

This performance highlighted Brown's abilities as a dynamic playmaker, both as a receiver and a return specialist. He later transferred to LSU for his senior season. 

https://youtu.be/Mo_WNDjgFoM?si=iECjuU33_Dfwmvzf  Barion Brown YouTube 2024 Kentucky Highlights

Patrick Payton DE transfer from Florida State

Patrick Payton, formerly a defensive end for Florida State and now at LSU, has played against Clemson during his college career. 

In the 2024 season, while still at Florida State, Payton blocked a field goal attempt against Clemson. He also recorded two tackles for loss in that same game. In another game against Clemson that season, he had 4 tackles. 

In 2023, while at Florida State, Payton recorded 1.0 sacks against Clemson on September 23rd. 

https://youtu.be/gFY2QWmmPCU?si=J0JzCVIiQUou8Sob  Patrick Payton 2024 ACC Digital Network Youtube Video Highlights 

Mansoor Delane CB transfer from Virginia Tech

Mansoor Delane, a cornerback formerly with Virginia Tech, played against Clemson in a game on November 9, 2024, where Clemson won 24-14. In that game, Delane recorded five tackles and one pass deflection. Clemson's quarterback, Cade Klubnik, also had a notable performance, throwing for a touchdown and a 41-yard pass to T.J. Moore. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• The Game: In the November 9th game, Clemson defeated Virginia Tech 24-14. 

• Delane's Performance: Delane, then playing for Virginia Tech, had five tackles and one pass deflection in the game. 

• Clemson's Offense: Klubnik led Clemson's offense, throwing for a touchdown and a long pass to Moore. 

https://youtu.be/q7j-7-kPKyQ?si=_2bwI4wgQhuUJE1Q Mansoor Delane ACC Digital Network Youtube Video Highlights 

TaMarcus Cooley transfer from N.C. State nickel back/safety

Tamarcus Cooley S transfer from North Carolina State

Cooley appeared in all 13 games, starting 9 times at nickel. Recorded 39 tackles, three INTs, two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections.

Here is a video link that shows Cooley making a very Honey Badger type of move:

https://youtu.be/c-ACYyT0jxA?si=QU7c0kNmhVuTmTy_

I could not find any stats for Cooley vs. Clemson in ESPN’s game-by-game stats for Cooley; so, I asked Google Gemini “Has Tamarcus Cooley ever played against Clemson?” 

This is Gemini’s answer (note: AI responses may include mistakes.):

 

“No, based on the provided search results, Tamarcus Cooley has not yet played against Clemson. He is expected to face Clemson as part of the LSU Tigers' schedule on August 30, 2025. 

Cooley has previously played for the NC State Wolfpack and the Maryland Terrapins. He transferred to LSU in January of 2025.”

Braelin Moore OL/Center transfer from Virginia Tech

Hard to evaluate Moore’s impact as a center but former LSU center T-Bob Hebert and LSU running back Jacob Hester provide the best analysis that I have found from OTB(Off The Bench): LSU.  Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/uGwcPTDNwJg?si=YB5Calawg5GUkrAm

Destyn Hill transfer WR from Florida State

Hill was struggling with injuries in 2023 and missed 2024.  Also, LSU is packed at wide receiver. However, like all of the players listed in this post he not only watched FSU play Clemson but has the advantage of having sat in on the Clemson game preparation from his former coaches.

It has been noted in several sources that Cade Klubnik, and Clemson, has experience playing against several of LSU’s transfers. That is true and rightly pushed aside Klubnik for his LSU preparation in favor of doing a deep dive on Blake Baker coached defenses.  That is probably good thinking.  Clemson probably would be wise to not focus their prep on individual players. On the other hand, 6 LSU transfers from 4 different schools (UK, VT, FSU, and NCST) have previously prepared for and/or played against Clemson. I am guessing that LSU coaches are at least picking the brains of the 3 defensive transfers and possibly gleaning some advantages from the 3 offensive transfers.  Note: Clemson has a new Defensive Coordinator this year, Tom Allen who was Penn State’s DC last year. So, hopefully LSU’s offensive analysts are focusing on how Allen coached defenses operate and then on how to block Clemson’s NFL ready defensive linemen.