ESPN Ranks The Top 10 Early-Impact Transfers

LSU veteran cornerback Mansoor Delane, who transferred to the Tigers after three seasons at Virginia Tech, was ranked No. 7 on ESPN's Top 10 Early-Impract Transfers list.

Here's what they had to say:

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7. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Tigers
Delane could've gone pro after his junior season at Virginia Tech and would be on an NFL roster today. In fact, LSU coach Brian Kelly says Delane had the highest draft grade of any cornerback available in the portal this offseason.

But he bet on himself, believing one more big season on a bigger stage could dramatically boost his draft stock. LSU made Delane a major priority in its quest to build the top portal class in the country. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker pointed to how his defense helped Ennis Rakestraw Jr. become a second-round pick and helped Kris Abrams-Draine become an All-American at Missouri in 2023. For Delane, it was easy to say yes.

"I see the schedule, I see the platform, and it didn't take too much convincing," Delane said. "I was like, 'This is all I need.' I just needed an opportunity to show the world what I can do."

Delane made himself a lot of money with his Week 1 debut against Clemson, earned a game ball and even picked up Bednarik Player of the Week honors. The third-year starter gave up two catches on 10 targets, broke up two passes and grabbed a third-quarter interception off Cade Klubnik in a 17-10 road victory. Delane excelled in press-man coverage and helped lock down Clemson receiver T.J. Moore in the second half. Delane doesn't have the rare size of LSU's 6-foot-5 freshman phenom DJ Pickett, but his experience absolutely showed up in a big-time test.

"This ain't the goal," Delane told his new team in the locker room after receiving his game ball. "The goal is the national championship."

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