Brian Kelly: LSU 'not in the market of buying players' in new CFB era

In a recent interview, Kelly explained that he and his coaching staff are approaching the modern era of college football in a way that is different from most teams.

Kelly went on to explain that the LSU Tigers are “not in the market of buying players.” This particular aspect of the quote could be interpreted in many different ways.

Kelly could just be saying that he is not interested in players who are not football-oriented, meaning he does not want to bring in players who are only chasing massive NIL deals. It would be hard to believe that Kelly is in favor of completely abandoning any form of NIL as the head coach of one of the most prominent teams in the SEC.

LSU Tigers HC Brian Kelly admitted his approach made it difficult to acquire a defensive lineman in the transfer portal

While many fans are taking to social media to issue their respect for Brian Kelly’s ability to stay principled throughout the massive shifts taking over the college football landscape, Kelly did admit that his principle made it more difficult to acquire a defensive lineman in the transfer portal.

Kelly explained that he and his coaching staff were actively looking to add a defensive lineman, but the nature of NIL and the adequate players in the transfer portal did not align with what Kelly and his coaching staff were “selling.”

The Tigers were able to acquire one defensive lineman this offseason, former Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Gio Paez. Paez is rated as a three-star transfer portal prospect by On3.

Other teams are having no issue “buying” players this offseason

While Kelly and the Tigers are claiming to be out of the market of buying players, other teams across the country are doing just the opposite.

According to Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule, the Ohio State Buckeyes spent $20-25 million in NIL money while fielding their roster this offseason.

One of the most notable acquisitions made by the Buckeyes this offseason was that of former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Caleb Downs. On3’s NIL valuation of Downs alone was just under $1 million. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban explained how special of a football player Downs is in an On3 article.

“I think what impresses me most about Caleb Downs is his maturity,” former Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in December.

“He’s a very instinctive football player, but this guy, there’s no arrogance about him, being one of the best players in the country at his position. He’s very focused, he’s very coachable. He wants to know everything that you can ever tell him about how he can play his position better. He takes coaching well when you talk to him about what he did or didn’t do.”

The Buckeyes also managed to keep a plethora of NFL-ready players from leaving with NIL money. Not only can it help with acquiring players from the transfer portal, but it can keep experienced, top-tier players who are often essential to team leadership. Those players for Ohio State include:

• Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams
• Safety Lathan Ransom
• Defensive end Jack Sawyer
• Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton
• Cornerback Denzel Burke
• Offensive line Donovan Jackson
• Cornerback Jordan Hancock
• Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka
• Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau
• Running back TreVeyon Henderson

Kelly may have a difficult time competing at the highest level of college football if he refuses to adapt to NIL, but there is a chance that his principled approach could result in long-term success with players who are fully bought in.