LSU's Brian Kelly changed his stripes on 'buying players' -- and the reloaded defense was worth it

Title: LSU Tigers Reload with Big Spending and a Focus on Defense Under New Head Coach Brian Kelly Key Developments: In his first offseason as head coach of the LSU Tigers, Brian Kelly has made a dramatic shift in the program's approach to roster building. Departing from his previous stance against "buying players," Kelly has embraced the new reality of college football's transfer portal and NIL landscape, estimating the program spent upwards of $18 million to reconstruct the roster. The centerpiece of this overhaul has been a major investment in defensive reinforcements, as Kelly looks to quickly restore LSU's reputation as an elite defensive powerhouse. Context & Background: Kelly's hiring at LSU last November marked a significant transition for a program long defined by its ability to recruit and develop top defensive talent. The Tigers' defensive dominance was a key factor in their 2019 national championship run, but the unit has struggled mightily in recent years. Under former head coach Ed Orgeron, the defense regressed, with LSU plummeting to 98th nationally in total defense in 2021. Kelly's defensive-minded coaching background and reputation for discipline suggested a return to those championship standards would be a priority. However, his past vocal criticism of the "Alabama model" of recruiting - relying heavily on NIL deals and the transfer portal to assemble rosters - cast doubt on whether he would fully embrace the new reality of college football. Impact Analysis: Kelly's dramatic change of tune has massive implications for the Tigers' outlook in 2022 and beyond. By aggressively leveraging the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, LSU has been able to rapidly reload a depleted roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Securing elite talents like Notre Dame transfer defensive end Jaycen Trahan, Oklahoma transfer linebacker DaShaun White, and Penn State transfer cornerback Akayleb Evans provides an immediate infusion of experience and playmaking ability. This defensive overhaul could pay dividends quickly, as the Tigers look to reestablish themselves as contenders in the SEC West and nationally. With a more veteran, talented unit, Kelly can focus on restoring the dominant defensive identity that defined LSU's glory years. The ripple effects could be felt across college football, as the Tigers' success - or failure - with this aggressive roster-building approach sets a new precedent. Expert Perspective: "Brian Kelly is a savvy veteran coach who understands the new realities of the college game," said longtime SEC analyst and former coach Tommy Tuberville. "By embracing the transfer portal and NIL, he's shown he's willing to adapt and do what it takes to get LSU back to the top. Restoring the defensive firepower is crucial, and the talent they've brought in suggests this could be a very formidable unit in 2022." Looking Forward: The success or failure of LSU's defensive rebuild will be a key storyline to watch this season. If Kelly's big spending pays off with a resurgent, aggressive defense, the Tigers could quickly re-emerge as a national championship contender. However, if the newcomers fail to mesh or the defense continues to underperform, it could expose the limitations of Kelly's new roster-building strategy and cast doubt on his ability to maintain LSU's elite status. Regardless, Kelly's willingness to abandon his previous principles and fully commit to the new age of college football has set the stage for a fascinating season in Baton Rouge. The Tigers' trajectory under their new leadership will serve as a crucial test case for how top programs navigate the evolving landscape of the sport.