With just a couple of weeks before kickoff, LSU football went back to work in the transfer portal. Lane Kiffin, the portal king, struck again as LSU secured a commitment from former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka.
Tuihalamaka spent four years with the Irish, playing in all four seasons. Tuihalamaka benefited from a recent TRO granted by a Baton Rouge judge, which could give him a chance to play a fifth year in 2026. The legal process is far from over and a hearing is scheduled for later this month.
However, Tuihalamaka's path to the field could be easier than others in his situation because he never signed an NFL contract.
If Tuihalamaka can suit up for the Tigers, LSU's defensive line gains key depth at a position where it was needed.
Tuihalamaka has extensive power conference experience and was on Notre Dame's College Football Playoff team in 2024.
Here are three things LSU football fans should know about Junior Tuihalamaka.
Tuihalamaka is a decent pass rusher
Tuihalamaka posted a 67.7 PFF pass rush grade with Notre Dame last year. That's not an elite mark, but its pretty good. Tuihalamaka registered 19 pressures and one sack in 2025. His most productive year as a pass rusher came in 2024, when he racked up 26 pressures and three sacks.
In his career, Tuihalamaka has 51 pressures and four sacks, according to PFF.
Tuihalamaka brings CFP experience to Baton Rouge
Tuihalamaka was on Notre Dame's 2024 team that reached the national title game. The Irish couldn't finish the deal, losing to Ohio State. One of Tuihalamaka's best games came in Notre Dame's playoff win over Georgia. Tuihalamaka registered four pressures and a sack vs. Kirby Smart's Bulldogs.
LSU expects to contend for a CFP spot right away under Kiffin. Having players on the roster who know what it takes to reach the height of the sport is critical.
Tuihalamaka improved as a run defender in 2025
From 2022-24, Tuihalamaka struggled as a run defender. His PFF run defense grade of 60.7 was his best over that span. In 2025, he took a step forward, earning a 73.6 run defense grade. LSU will need Tuihalamaka to deliver in that department, given the questions about Umanmielen and Ross's run defense. In 2025, LSU excelled with two strong run defenders at defensive end, and Tuihalamaka can be that guy for the Tigers in 2026.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three things to know about LSU football's newest transfer addition
