On Tuesday afternoon, LSU expanded its transfer roster by securing the commitment of defensive end Gio Paez from Wisconsin. Originally from Los Angeles but having attended high school in North Carolina, Paez was rated as a three-star recruit in the 2019 class. Moving into his sixth season of college football in 2024, Paez brings experience and versatility to the LSU defense.

During his tenure at Wisconsin spanning five years, Paez participated in 34 games, earning 11 starts. Notably, he enjoyed a standout season last fall with six starts, culminating in a career-best performance tallying 23 total tackles. Throughout his time with the Badgers, Paez has amassed 36 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss.

Transitioning to LSU as a graduate transfer, Paez retains one remaining year of eligibility, offering the Tigers a seasoned addition to their defensive lineup.

Despite Gio Paez not having established himself as a consistent performer with notable production throughout his career, his addition could serve as a valuable asset for LSU’s defensive line. With the team facing significant departures of talent from the 2023 season, Paez’s arrival offers crucial depth to bolster the defensive front.