The LSU Tigers are making an interesting addition to the roster right before the start of the 2026 season.
LSU has landed a commitment from Notre Dame defensive end transfer Junior Tuihalamaka, who was recently given an additional year of college eligibility after the court ruling in Louisiana, per reports from ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Tuihalamaka now gives an already talented LSU defense an experienced pass rusher in the middle of fall camp, something Lane Kiffin and staff will certainly feel happy about.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Junior Tuihalamaka (44) celebrates a stop against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Across four years with Notre Dame, Tuihalamaka appeared in 54 games (seven starts) while posting 61 total tackles (37 solo), four sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Some fans might look at the fact that Tuihalamaka had only four sacks in four years as a defensive end, but he's played in some big-time games for a Notre Dame program that always has a spotlight on it. He's played in four College Football Playoff games, including the National Championship against Ohio State at the end of the 2024 season.
He now becomes the only player on the LSU roster that has played in a National Championship game, something that shouldn't be overlooked as the Tigers set sights on making it back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019 when they won it all.
Tuihalamaka gives LSU proven experience on a defensive line that features a ton of young players. He will make an impact on the field but his leadership in the locker room for freshmen like Deuce Geralds, Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown could prove big for the Tigers.
LSU Tigers defensive end Jack Pyburn (44) during warmups before the game against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Tiger Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn, who signed an undrafted deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , was also apart of the Louisiana court ruling and is reportedly looking to enter the portal in hopes of returning to college football.
However, the addition of Tuihalamaka could signal the end of any hope LSU fans might have had about the Tigers reuniting with Pyburn, but only time will tell.
Pyburn's reunion with LSU made sense due to his familiarity with defensive coordinator Blake Baker. The situation still remains once to watch. After all, the coaching staff would love another experienced edge rusher after adding Tuihalamaka, but the NIL spending and expected snap count might not add up.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/lsu as LSU Tigers Land Surprise Commitment From Notre Dame Transfer .
