LSU football’s offseason transfer acquisitions have generated plenty of buzz, and one name drawing early attention is defensive end Jack Pyburn, who joined the Tigers from the University of Florida. Pyburn has already made an impression not just in Baton Rouge but across the SEC, and this week, one of his former teammates at Florida had glowing words about him during SEC Media Days.
Caleb Banks, a defensive lineman for the Gators, didn’t hold back when asked about Pyburn’s potential impact at LSU. Speaking candidly to reporters, Banks said, “He runs through people’s faces. They got a good one, I’m not going to lie.” His comments highlight the physical style of play that Pyburn is known for—relentless, aggressive, and fearless at the line of scrimmage.
Pyburn’s arrival in Baton Rouge comes at a crucial time for the Tigers. LSU needed to rebuild its edge-rusher group after losing key players Bradyn Swinson and Sai’Vion Jones to the 2025 NFL Draft. The departure of those top pass rushers left the Tigers with a significant gap to fill in one of the most critical areas of their defense. Pyburn, along with two other talented transfer portal pickups, is expected to play a major role in fortifying LSU’s defensive front this season.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his staff aggressively targeted the transfer portal this offseason, ultimately landing the top-ranked transfer class in the nation. Pyburn was a headline addition to that group, bringing SEC experience and a reputation for toughness to an LSU roster already brimming with potential. The Tigers also added Patrick Payton from Florida State and Jimari Butler from Nebraska, two more veteran edge defenders with significant Power Four experience. Together, they form a trio of transfers that could give LSU one of the deepest and most versatile edge rotations in the SEC.
Pyburn’s playing style fits perfectly into LSU’s defensive scheme. Known for his high motor and physical approach, he’s expected to bring a disruptive presence off the edge. His ability to collapse the pocket and make plays behind the line of scrimmage could be a game-changer for a defense looking to take a step forward in 2025.
While LSU fans are excited to see what Pyburn can do in purple and gold, the praise from his former Florida teammate speaks volumes about his potential. When an opponent—or in this case, a former teammate—admits that you’re a “problem” for offensive lines, it usually means you’re doing something right.
As fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on Pyburn and the revamped LSU defensive front. With his combination of SEC experience, physicality, and relentless drive, Pyburn is poised to become a key figure in the Tigers’ defense this season. If his early reviews are any indication, LSU may have landed one of the most impactful defensive transfers in the conference.