LSU Tigers running back Corey Kiner announces transfer destination

Former LSU Tigers running back Corey Kiner entered the transfer portal on Monday after being the team’s second-leading rusher. Soon after, he announced his destination via Twitter and will be playing for the Cincinnati Bearcats next season.

A native of Cincinnati, Kiner will now be playing college football for his hometown team. Back when Kiner was going through his high school recruitment, the Bearcats were the second program to offer him with former running backs coach Dan Enos being his main recruiter. Darren Paige is now the position coach, entering his second season.

Kiner had 324 yards and two touchdowns on 79 carries during the 2021 season. Only Tyrion Davis-Price, who is off to the NFL Draft, rushed for more yards than him last season. Had Kiner stayed at LSU, he would have been a part of a loaded running back room that included  John Emery and Penn State transfer Noah Cain.

Kiner was the No. 158 overall player in the On3 transfer portal rankings for this offseason’s cycle. He was the No. 12 running back and the top guy still available in the transfer portal. After losing Jerome Ford to the NFL Draft, Kiner will be hoping to have the same impact for the Bearcats next season.

Before getting back onto the field, Kiner will have to recover from a high ankle sprain, which his former head coach discussed recently. Brian Kelly said it will be about 2-3 weeks before the running back is fully healthy.

Corey Kiner pens letter to LSU after entering portal

Kiner officially announced his decision to enter the portal on Monday and decided to pen a letter to LSU through Twitter. He thanked the coaching staff before talking about the relationships he built in Baton Rouge.

“I want to start off by saying that I really do appreciate the opportunity that I had to come develop myself academically and athletically at LSU,” Kiner said. “I am so grateful for all the friendships and bonds that have been created during my time here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Thank you to all the staff members who I have encountered athletically and academically you have helped me to take a step forward in my life.

“My time as a tiger has come to an end, I would like to start a new chapter in my life and explore my options to continue my career as a student-athlete elsewhere. With this being said I would like to announce that I have placed my name in the NCAA Transfer Portal.”