Kaden Martin transfers to LSU to join Lane Kiffin’s inaugural roster

Kaden Martin, the son of former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin, has transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The announcement was made on May 23, confirming that Martin will join head coach Lane Kiffin’s first LSU football roster for the 2026 season. Kiffin, a former head coach at Tennessee, recruited Martin in March.

Martin’s collegiate athletic career has been marked by frequent transitions across institutions and sports. He began as a baseball player at the University of Miami in 2022 and continued at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2023, appearing in only two total games across those stints. He then moved to football, joining the MTSU roster for the 2024-25 season without appearing in a game.

The move reunites Martin with his father, Tee Martin, who was the quarterback for Tennessee’s 1998 national championship team. Tee Martin later served as an assistant coach under Jeremy Pruitt from 2019 to 2020. A statue of Tee Martin stands outside Neyland Stadium, underscoring the family’s deep ties to the University of Tennessee environment.

Kaden Martin’s high school career at Knoxville Catholic saw him excel as a two-sport star. In 2019, he passed for 1,226 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for nine. The following year, he passed for 1,379 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions, adding nine rushing touchdowns. In baseball, he was named a Perfect Game All-American in 2021 after hitting 13 home runs, setting a school record at Knoxville Catholic.

The transfer sets up a notable fixture when LSU is scheduled to play at Tennessee on November 21. Martin is familiar with the University of Tennessee landscape, having attended Knoxville Catholic and transferring to McDonogh School in Maryland for his senior year. The reporting on this transfer was provided by Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel.