LSU Transfer Safety Sage Ryan Commits to Ole Miss
In a major development within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), LSU safety Sage Ryan has officially announced his transfer to Ole Miss. This move represents a pivotal moment for both programs as Ole Miss gains a versatile and experienced defensive back, while LSU loses a key player who contributed significantly to its secondary. Sage Ryan’s decision marks another milestone in the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where the transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across the nation.
Sage Ryan entered college football as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2021 class. Coming out of Lafayette Christian Academy in Louisiana, Ryan was a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 safety nationally by 247Sports. With offers from top programs around the country, Ryan ultimately chose LSU, staying close to home and joining a program with a rich tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs.
During his time at LSU, Ryan showcased his athleticism, versatility, and football IQ. He was utilized in multiple roles, including safety, nickelback, and cornerback, making him a valuable asset to the Tigers’ defense. Despite battling injuries early in his collegiate career, Ryan carved out a significant role on the team and appeared in 43 games, starting 21 of them. Over his career, he tallied 113 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five forced fumbles, one interception, and 14 passes defended.
While Sage Ryan’s tenure at LSU was marked by both growth and challenges, his decision to enter the transfer portal came as he sought a fresh start and an opportunity to maximize his potential in his final year of eligibility. With Ole Miss emerging as his next destination, Ryan now joins a program under head coach Lane Kiffin that has consistently capitalized on the transfer portal to bolster its roster.
Ryan’s decision also reflects the changing dynamics of college football, where players are increasingly leveraging the transfer portal to find better fits for their skills and career aspirations. For Ryan, Ole Miss presents a chance to step into a prominent role in a defense led by coordinator Pete Golding, who has a reputation for maximizing talent.
Ole Miss is set to benefit significantly from Sage Ryan’s arrival. Known for his physicality, quick instincts, and ability to play multiple positions, Ryan brings both experience and versatility to a defensive unit that struggled at times during the 2024 season. His presence in the secondary adds depth and a veteran presence, which will be crucial as the Rebels look to contend in the competitive SEC.
Ryan’s ability to disrupt plays, force turnovers, and cover elite SEC receivers makes him a valuable asset. His 2024 season at LSU, which included 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles, one interception, and six passes defended, underscores his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
For LSU, losing a player of Sage Ryan’s caliber is undoubtedly a blow to its defensive depth. However, the Tigers boast a strong recruiting pipeline and a deep roster, giving them the tools to fill the void left by Ryan’s departure. Meanwhile, Ole Miss continues to assert itself as a top destination for high-level transfers, solidifying its position as a program that can quickly reload talent.
The move also adds an intriguing storyline to future matchups between LSU and Ole Miss. Watching Ryan compete against his former team will undoubtedly draw attention and could have significant implications for SEC standings.
Sage Ryan’s commitment to Ole Miss is a win for the Rebels and a testament to the impact of the transfer portal in modern college football. As he prepares for his final collegiate season, Ryan has the opportunity to elevate Ole Miss’s defense and showcase his talents on a new stage. For Ole Miss fans, his arrival represents renewed hope and excitement for the 2025 season as the Rebels aim to climb the SEC ranks.