LSU football took another hit on Friday, as defensive back Sage Ryan announced on social media he’s entering the transfer portal.
One of the Tigers’ most versatile players, Ryan played cornerback, nickelback and safety in his three seasons in Baton Rouge.
The Lafayette native appeared in 12 games (nine starts) in 2023 and finished with 35 total tackles — 4.5 for loss — and three pass deflections.
Ryan was a five-star recruit out of Lafayette Christian Academy in 2021 and was ranked the nation’s No. 30 player and No. 2 safety. He originally chose LSU over Alabama.
The 5-11 defender with two seasons of eligibility remaining should have plenty of suitors in the transfer portal.
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Here’s an explanation on why Ryan is likely leaving LSU:
Why is Sage Ryan leaving?
Ryan, who made 12 starts in three seasons with LSU, played cornerback in 2023 after spending time mostly at nickelback and safety in his first two seasons.
The redshirt sophomore helped make up for the Tigers’ depleted secondary this season, which was missing a slew of impact players like Greg Brooks Jr. and transfers Denver Harris and Duce Chestnut, who missed the majority of the regular season for undisclosed reasons.
LSU’s defense uncharacteristically struggled this season, ranking 101st out of 130 teams in total defense (409.2 yards per game) and 116th in opponent third-down conversion rate (45.3%).
The Tigers opting to retain defensive coordinator Matt House might’ve played a role in Ryan’s decision, along with moving from p
osition to position.
