LSU football wasted no time bolstering its roster for the 2024 season, landing its first transfer of the offseason on Friday. The Tigers are turning to a familiar position of need as they welcome tight end Bauer Sharp to Baton Rouge. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound rising fifth-year senior, who led Oklahoma in receiving yards last season, announced his decision to transfer to LSU on social media, marking a pivotal move for both the player and the program.
For Sharp, this is a chance to continue his collegiate career at a premier SEC program. For LSU, it’s a much-needed addition to fill the tight end spot after the Tigers saw both of their top tight ends depart this offseason. Let’s take a closer look at what Sharp brings to the table and how his addition can help LSU as they move into 2024.
Sharp’s Impressive Numbers and Versatility
Sharp, originally from Dothan, Alabama, has spent most of his career at Southeastern Louisiana before transferring to Oklahoma for the 2023 season. In his lone year with the Sooners, Sharp posted solid numbers, leading the team in receiving yards with 324 on 42 receptions. He also scored two touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute in key moments.
His career stats include 37 receptions for 208 yards and five touchdowns, which highlights his potential to be a reliable red-zone target. While Sharp’s production at Oklahoma certainly caught attention, it’s his versatility and ability to stretch the field that makes him an exciting addition for LSU’s offense. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a tight end, and his ability to line up both inline and in the slot gives LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock plenty of options in the passing game.
247Sports ranks Sharp as the seventh-best tight end in the transfer portal, making his decision to join LSU a significant one for the Tigers as they continue to round out their roster for the upcoming season.
Filling the Void Left by Key Departures
LSU’s tight end position was hit hard by offseason losses. The Tigers lost their top two scholarship tight ends, including Mason Taylor, who declared for the NFL draft after an impressive junior season. Taylor leaves Baton Rouge as LSU’s all-time leader in both receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, meaning his departure leaves a significant gap in the lineup.
Additionally, LSU saw sophomore Ka’Morreun Pimpton enter the transfer portal, further thinning the depth at tight end. With just one scholarship tight end remaining on the roster—freshman Trey’Dez Green—the Tigers were in desperate need of a proven, experienced player to help stabilize the position.
Enter Bauer Sharp.
Sharp brings not only experience but also a high level of skill that will immediately improve LSU’s tight end room. His ability to both block and be a receiving threat makes him an ideal fit for LSU’s multifaceted offense. While Green, a highly touted freshman, has potential, Sharp’s veteran leadership and game experience will allow him to step in and contribute right away.
A Critical Addition for LSU’s Offense
Sharp’s decision to transfer to LSU gives head coach Brian Kelly and his staff a reliable weapon to work with as they prepare for a tough 2024 season. In the SEC, where tight ends often play pivotal roles as both blockers and pass-catchers, Sharp’s versatility will be crucial for LSU’s offensive scheme.
His ability to create mismatches with defenders due to his size and athleticism will give LSU’s quarterbacks another reliable option in the passing game. With Sharp joining the fold, LSU’s offense now has an experienced target in the middle of the field, complementing their established wide receiver corps and helping to ease the loss of Taylor.
Sharp also has the opportunity to continue growing as a player in Baton Rouge. Having played in both the Southland Conference and the Big 12, Sharp is no stranger to different levels of competition, and now he’ll get the chance to compete at the highest level in college football.
What’s Next for LSU?
With Sharp’s commitment, LSU has taken a significant step in addressing its tight end needs. However, the work isn’t done yet. The Tigers still have several key positions to fill in the transfer portal, and they’ll be looking for other pieces to strengthen their roster as they aim for another championship run in 2024.
LSU fans can expect Sharp to play a major role in the offense next season, and with his talent, there’s reason for excitement. Whether he lines up as a traditional tight end or flexes out to the slot, Sharp’s addition will give LSU an experienced and dynamic playmaker to help elevate the offense.
In the coming months, LSU will continue to shape its roster, but with Bauer Sharp now in the fold, the tight end position is in much better hands as the Tigers look to contend in the SEC and beyond.
Conclusion
Bauer Sharp’s decision to transfer to LSU is an important move for the Tigers, both for his immediate contributions on the field and for the experience he brings to a position of need. His ability to block, catch passes, and provide leadership will be invaluable to LSU’s offense, especially after losing two key players at the tight end spot this offseason. With Sharp now in Baton Rouge, LSU fans can expect an exciting and dynamic addition to the Tigers’ offense in 2024.
