LSU safety Dashawn Spears briefly sent shockwaves through Tiger Nation when he announced he was entering the transfer portal—only to reverse course a short time later. We’ve confirmed Spears is returning for his junior season and is expected to start at free safety, replacing AJ Haulcy in LSU’s secondary.
So what happened behind the scenes? Why did Spears enter the portal, and what ultimately led to him staying in Baton Rouge? We break down the full timeline and how his return stabilizes LSU’s safety room heading into 2026.
With the transfer portal set to open in one day, we take a position-by-position look at LSU’s roster, identifying where the Tigers are strong, where depth is a concern, and where portal additions will be necessary to compete at the highest level next season.
We also discuss Lane Kiffin’s controversial staff move, adding James Cregg from Ole Miss. Cregg previously coached at LSU but was fired for cause following recruiting violations in 2020. Why bring him back now, and what does this say about Kiffin’s approach to roster and staff building?
Portal drama, roster clarity, and a headline-making coaching decision—all packed into one episode.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.