Can LSU football transfer Devin Harper compete for a starting job?

LSU football signed the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class in college football under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin earned the reputation of “Portal King” at Ole Miss, and now, with LSU’s resources, the reputation has followed.

The offensive line was an area of need for LSU when the portal opened. The Tigers’ o-line was one of the worst in the SEC in 2025, and reinforcements were needed. On top of that, the bulk of LSU’s young offensive lineman transferred out. The unit had to be rebuilt, nearly from scratch.

One of those reinforcements came with the arrival of Devin Harper, who followed Kiffin from Ole Miss.

Will Harper compete for a starting job this fall?

He’s talented enough to do so. Per the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Ranking, Harper was the No. 4-ranked interior offensive lineman in the class.

Harper signed with Ole Miss out of high school in 2025. He only spent one year in Oxford before transferring, but was a top-100 overall recruit coming out of high school.

A few spots on LSU’s starting line won’t be hard to guess. Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton will start at left tackle and returning center Braelin Moore will hold onto his spot. Veteran transfer Aliou Bah has a strong chance of earning one of the guard spots, but the other one is wide open.

That’s where Harper has a chance to make an immediate impact. Ole Miss coaches spoke highly of Harper when he arrived in Oxford, even if Harper didn’t go on to find much playing time in 2025.

And while he’s a transfer, Harper is already familiar with the Kiffin and Charlie Weiss system. Harper’s talent, paired with his system knowledge, should give him a leg up in the competition.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Can LSU football transfer Devin Harper compete for a starting job?

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