Brian Kelly explains Josh Thompson's absence from LSU, reveals when he will arrive

The LSU Tigers were looking to revamp their offensive line in the Transfer Portal this offseason. One of the places Brian Kelly turned to was Josh Thompson, who committed to join the program after previously playing for the Northwestern Wildcats. The only problem is that he hasn’t made it to campus yet.

While Thompson’s absence has led to some concern, none of that is coming from Kelly. In fact, there’s a good reason why he isn’t at LSU yet. Thompson is finishing up his academics at Northwestern as they’re on a different schedule.

“Well, they’re on quarters,” Brian Kelly said. “So, he’s finishing up his academics. He’ll be here next week.”

Josh Thompson was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2021, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the 68th-ranked offensive tackle and the 761st-ranked player nationally in that recruiting cycle. He ended up playing both on the interior of the offensive line and outside at tackle. That includes starting in 21 games over the last two seasons at guard and tackle respectively.

There is a lot that Brian Kelly is hoping to see from Josh Thompson. First and foremost, however, Kelly wants to see a versatile and experienced lineman who is going to help improve the offensive line.

“A good player. No, another addition to what as we talked about a very talented transfer class that will bring Big Ten reps into our offensive line. So, a versatile player that can play guard or tackle,” Kelly said. “We haven’t decided where that will be. It’ll be kind of putting the pieces together to see how that fits. He’s smart. He’s physical, and he brings us an experienced offensive lineman. So, he’ll be here next week.”

Brian Kelly and LSU have been active in the Transfer Portal this offseason. The Tigers currently have the sixth-ranked class in the 2025 transfer cycle, according to the On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. It’s a class that includes 19 players who have left the program and another 16 who are entering for the 2025 season. That includes a pair of offensive linemen in Josh Thompson and Braelin Moore.

From the high school recruiting ranks, LSU had the ninth-ranked class in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Notably, that was also the sixth-ranked SEC class. Another four offensive linemen are joining the LSU program from that recruiting class.

Those incoming offensive linemen are going to be vital for Kelly and the Tigers. Will Campbell, a presumed first round pick, is moving on and needs to be replaced. Without him, the tackle position remains an open question.