LSU is making a strong early push for one of the top offensive linemen in the 2027 recruiting class - and Lane Kiffin is right in the thick of it.
Jimmy Kalis, a towering 6-foot-8, 280-pound offensive tackle out of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, has narrowed his list of schools to six, and LSU is currently setting the pace. Kiffin, in his first year at the helm in Baton Rouge, is clearly prioritizing the trenches as he looks to rebuild and solidify the Tigers’ offensive line for the future. Landing a player like Kalis would be a major step in that direction.
But LSU isn’t alone in this race. Georgia and Texas are also in the mix, both programs with strong reputations for developing offensive linemen and competing at the highest level in the SEC and beyond.
And it doesn’t stop there - Ohio State, Clemson, and Miami are also vying for Kalis’ commitment. That’s six powerhouse programs, all with serious pedigree, all chasing the same high-upside tackle.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Kalis is the No. 247 overall prospect in the 2027 class, the No. 24 offensive tackle, and the No. 10 player in Pennsylvania. Those numbers reflect a player with significant national attention, and it’s easy to see why. At 6’8” with a frame that still has room to fill out, Kalis brings a rare blend of size, length, and athleticism that offensive line coaches dream about developing.
What makes this recruitment even more intriguing is how early it still is. While Kalis has trimmed his list, there’s a long road between now and National Signing Day.
Multiple programs are reportedly lining up official visits this offseason, which means there’s plenty of time for momentum to shift. But as of now, LSU and Kiffin have put themselves in a strong position.
For Kiffin, who’s known more for his offensive creativity than his work in the trenches, this recruitment is a clear signal: he knows that to compete in the SEC, it starts up front. And with Kalis, he’s targeting a foundational piece - the kind of lineman who could anchor a unit for years.
This is a recruitment to watch closely. Kalis has the tools to be a game-changer at the next level, and with the SEC heavyweights circling, it’s shaping up to be one of the more high-profile battles in the 2027 class. LSU may lead for now, but in college football recruiting, especially for elite offensive linemen, nothing is set in stone.