Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff signed the No. 7 Recruiting Class in America headlined by multiple five-star prospects putting pen to paper with the program on Dec. 4. One name that didn't sign with Kelly's program was the No.

Byard was a originally a three-star recruit coming out of high school in 2023. He didn’t play much as a freshman, but carved out a role in 2024. Per PFF, he was one of the top run defending safeties in the AAC this fall, posting a 77.6 run defense grade. Byard made 43 solo tackles and 18 stops in 2024.

Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff knew there would be significant changes made in December with the NCAA Transfer Portal window officially open. The changes necessary meant critical additions would enter the fold,