Feb. 7, 2026, 11:12 a.m. CT
The transfer portal defines the offseason in the new era of college football. Every year, programs watch a handful of players leave and search for greener pastures. LSU football is no stranger to this and one of the losses from the 2025 transfer portal cycle was wide receiver Shelton Sampson.
Sampson, a Baton Rouge native, signed with LSU in 2023. He was one of the top-ranked wide receiver recruits in the country and a priority for Brian Kelly’s staff. Sampson didn’t play much as a freshman. He was buried down the depth chart in LSU’s loaded receiver room, led by Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Sampson was targeted twice in 2023 and didn’t record a catch.
The story didn’t change much in 2024. Sampson was targeted six times and didn’t catch a pass as he struggled to find a consistent role with the Tigers. The writing was on the wall when the season was over and Sampson hit the portal.
He stayed in Louisiana, landing at UL-Lafayette. Sampson found what he was looking for and emerged as a starter with the Ragin’ Cajuns. Sampson caught 32 passes for 537 yards and six touchdowns.
The redshirt sophomore averaged 16.8 yards per catch and 2.10 yards per route run. With a 71.7 PFF receiving grade, Sampson ranked No. 15 in the Sun Belt. It was a respectable year for Sampson, especially given ULL’s offensive struggles as a whole.
Sampson returns to Louisiana in 2026 and will look to build on his 2025.
date: 2026-02-08 01:25:00
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