Why this LSU football transfer could be the Tigers' most important player in 2025
Delane, who spent the first three years of his career at Virginia Tech, was ranked as the No. 4 corner and No. 52 overall player in the transfer portal according to On3's Industry Rankings.
LSU's secondary struggled in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, LSU tried to rebuild the room through the transfer portal. Expectations were high for a handful of talented players, but a combination of injuries and busts led to a disappointing year.
In 2024, LSU was less reliant on the portal, opting for homegrown talent. The secondary took a step forward, but the inexperience showed. LSU went looking for transfer portal cornerbacks again this year, landing Delane along with ex-Florida cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson.
Delane just might be the most important player on LSU's defense.
Zy Alexander was a bright spot of LSU's defense last year. Playing the boundary corner role, he was among the SEC's best defenders. That's a big hole to fill, but LSU trusts Delane in that spot.
LSU DC Blake Baker wants to play man coverage. That requires cornerbacks who can hold up vs. the SEC's best pass catchers in man coverage. Delane ranked No. 7 among ACC cornerbacks in 2024 with an allowed completion rate of 47.2%.
Offenses were quick to throw at Delane, targeting him 72 times in 2024. He's good at the point of attack with 11 career PBU's and six picks. If Delane is left alone in 2024, he'll be heavily targeted again, but Delane has proven he can hold his own.
Delane brings over 1,800 snaps of Power Four experience to LSU's defense. That's just what the Tigers need after losing their most experienced corner. In recent years, LSU has taken risks with its secondary additions. Delane is a safe bet with a high floor.
While Delane will see most of his time at corner, LSU won't be afraid to move him around.
"Soor is a guy we can put all over the secondary," Baker said, "He could be a corner, safety, nickel, dime."
Delane is a floor raiser for this unit. His versatility and experience allow LSU to make the most of its personnel elsewhere. That's needed with a few questions remaining on this unit. Delane was a third-team All-ACC in 2024. Don't be surprised to see the veteran LSU corner competing for an All-SEC spot in 2025.
"Mansoor Delane has been very, very, I think impactful at the cornerback position," LSU head coach Brian Kelly said in February.
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