Jordan Seaton's transfer portal payday: How LSU landed college football's most expensive offensive lineman

His demands were high. Industry sources speculated that Seaton could command $2.5 million or more on the open market. By the end of the cycle, industry sources believe Seaton secured a deal worth more than $4 million. His camp also asked for additional incentives, such as cars and real estate.

While LSU and Miami were two program sources highlighted when Seaton entered the transfer portal, he actually took his first visit to Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs' offensive line coach, Phil Loadholt, served as Seaton's O-line coach in Boulder during his true freshman season. The pair remain close, and that gave Mississippi State early momentum.

Miami got the next visit with Seaton as the Hurricanes sold Seaton on Mario Cristobal's offensive line development and style of football. From there, Seaton headed to Baton Rouge. LSU desperately needed impact offensive linemen as Lane Kiffin had to overhaul almost that entire room, and Seaton was the last impact offensive tackle on the open market.

Oregon was also involved in the process. Seaton was scheduled to visit Eugene at one point, but that never materialized. Instead, Oregon coach Dan Lanning flew to see Seaton in Atlanta.

Seaton's decision dragged on at the end.

He didn't commit until Jan. 23, a 13-day process that's a lifetime in the portal.

But Seaton had all the leverage, and LSU paid handsomely to get him on campus for the 2026 season. Seaton's pay package is believed to be the largest for an offensive lineman in college football history.