LSU’s 2026 Recruiting Class: Lane Kiffin’s First Haul in Baton Rouge Taking Shape
BATON ROUGE - National Signing Day doesn’t hit quite the same anymore - not with the early signing period and the transfer portal reshaping the recruiting landscape. But don’t mistake the quieter February for a lack of action, especially in Baton Rouge, where Lane Kiffin is putting his stamp on LSU football in a hurry.
The Tigers enter National Signing Day with the No. 11 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports, and they’re sitting sixth in the SEC. That’s no small feat considering Kiffin officially took over on December 1. And while most of the heavy lifting happened during the early period, LSU is still expected to add at least one more name to the mix this week.
One More Name to Watch
The lone high school addition expected on Signing Day is safety Jackson Williams out of Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, Louisiana. Williams is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound defensive back who originally committed to Tulane before flipping to Washington State. After being released from his letter of intent, he’s now poised to stay home and potentially join the Tigers.
Rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 136 safety in the country, Williams might not be the headliner of this class, but he’s a solid in-state pickup who adds depth and athleticism to the secondary. And in today’s game - where defensive versatility is gold - bringing in rangy safeties with upside is never a bad move.
The Transfer Portal Splash
While LSU’s high school class sits at 17 signees, the real story of this cycle might be the portal. Kiffin and his staff didn’t just dip into the transfer market - they dove in headfirst, bringing in 43 transfers to help reshape the roster. That’s the top-ranked transfer portal class in the nation, and it speaks to Kiffin’s ability to adapt quickly and aggressively in a new era of roster building.
It’s a clear sign that LSU isn’t interested in a slow rebuild. Kiffin wants to compete now, and he’s using every tool at his disposal to do it.
Holding the Line on Elite Talent
Despite the coaching change, LSU managed to hold onto the core of its early signing class - a group that includes two five-star defensive linemen who could be cornerstones of the program.
Lamar Brown, a hometown product from Baton Rouge, and Richard Anderson out of New Orleans are the crown jewels of the class. Both are elite defensive linemen with the kind of size, motor, and upside that can anchor a defensive front for years. Keeping them in the fold was a top priority for the new staff, and they delivered.
Beyond the five-stars, LSU signed nine four-star prospects, including Brysten Martinez, an offensive lineman, and Deuce Geralds, another defensive lineman from Georgia. Both were heavily pursued after the coaching change, but the Tigers managed to lock them in - a testament to the new staff’s ability to build quick relationships and sell a vision.
What It All Means
LSU’s 2026 class is a blend of high school blue-chips and transfer talent, and it gives Kiffin a strong foundation to start his tenure. The Tigers didn’t just patch holes - they added potential difference-makers on both sides of the ball.
And while National Signing Day may not carry the same drama it once did, the work being done behind the scenes in Baton Rouge is setting the stage for what could be a fast rise under Kiffin. The roster is deeper, the trenches are stronger, and the program looks energized.
This class might not be the final product, but it’s a clear signal: LSU isn’t waiting around. They’re building to win - and soon.