This one was somewhat of a surprise.

But LSU freshman backup linebacker DeMario Tolan has entered the NCAA transfer portal, several media outlets reported Wednesday.

Tolan, a four-star recruit out of Orlando, Florida, seemingly had a promising future with the Tigers, but he did not play in the team’s Citrus Bowl game in his hometown, a 63-7 rout in which the final touchdown was scored on a pick-six by a member of the scout team.

Maybe that was the tip-off.

He played sparingly this season, finishing with 10 tackles and two quarterback hurries in the 12 games he participated.

Still, head coach Brian Kelly often spoke highly of Tolan as a player to watch and his playing time increased as the season wore on.

With senior Michah Baskerville exhausting his eligibility, Tolan was expected to compete for that job this spring.

He is the 14th Tiger to enter the portal.

Meanwhile, punter Jay Bramblett announced on social media that he will utilize a fifth year of eligibility to return to the Tigers.

Last year was his first at LSU after transferring from Notre Dame. The NCAA granted athletes impacted by the 2020-21 COVID season an extra year of eligibility.

“Last year was the most fun I’ve had playing the game and I am excited to see the future of LSU football,” Bramblett tweeted. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity … and I’m not ready for it to be over.”