Knox Kiffin’s Recruitment Heats Up - But Not From Dad’s Program (Yet)
Knox Kiffin is still a few years out from playing college ball, but his recruitment is already generating headlines-and not just because of his last name. The son of LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is stacking scholarship offers from major programs as part of the 2028 class, and he’s not shy about letting people know who’s showing real interest.
One of those programs? California.
One that’s noticeably absent? LSU.
Knox recently took to social media to highlight his offer from Cal, and it wasn’t just a “thanks for the offer” kind of post. He went deeper, giving a peek into what made this offer stand out.
According to Knox, Cal defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi didn’t just hand him an offer-he sat down, broke down film, pointed out strengths, and gave honest feedback on areas for improvement. That kind of attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed, especially for a young quarterback trying to carve out his own path.
“He knew my stats, team record,” Knox wrote. “He has been around many 1st round QBs. The future at Cal seems to be going in a whole different trajectory.”
That’s a pretty mature take from a high schooler, and it shows Knox isn’t just chasing logos-he’s looking for fit, development, and a coaching staff that’s invested in his growth. He closed the post with a simple but telling line: “Blessed to be officially offered by The University of California.”
And while the offer itself made waves, it was the family reaction that turned heads. Lane Kiffin’s daughter, Landry, dropped a short but supportive comment on the post: “Get ittt.”
Just two words, but in the context of a high-profile football family, they carry weight. When your sister-whose dad happens to be an SEC head coach-cheers you on for considering another school, it says a lot about the family dynamic and maybe even the recruiting process playing out behind the scenes.
Now, the obvious question: Why hasn’t Lane Kiffin offered his own son a spot at LSU?
It’s a fair question, but not one that necessarily needs to raise eyebrows. There are plenty of reasons why that offer might not be on the table yet.
For one, Lane is still relatively new in Baton Rouge. Establishing a foundation at a new program takes time, and jumping straight into recruiting your own son might not be the first priority.
There’s also the possibility that Lane wants Knox to earn his offers the same way any other player would-on merit, not on name. It’s not uncommon for coaches to take a step back when it comes to family, especially when the spotlight is already bright. Letting Knox go through the process without special treatment could be part of a bigger plan to let him build his own identity.
Still, it’s worth noting that Knox isn’t entirely disconnected from LSU. Behind the scenes, he’s reportedly played a role in helping recruit players like Trinidad Chambliss and others to the Tigers. That kind of involvement suggests there’s still a strong connection to the program-even if there’s no formal offer yet.
So where does Knox go from here? He’s got options, momentum, and a growing list of coaches who see his potential.
Whether he ends up at Cal, LSU, or somewhere else entirely, one thing’s clear: Knox Kiffin isn’t just riding the family name. He’s doing the work, getting noticed, and making thoughtful decisions about his future.
And if his sister’s reaction is any indication, the Kiffin family is just fine with wherever that path leads-for now.
