In a surprising turn of events, LSU's 2026 recruiting class has taken a hit as four-star recruit Kevin Thomas has decided to reopen his recruitment. This decision comes just two days after the hiring of Will Wade, allowing Thomas the opportunity to explore other options due to the coaching change.
Standing at 6-foot-6 with a wingspan of 6-10, Thomas is a dynamic wing player ranked No. 78 nationally and No. 32 among small forwards, according to 247Sports. Hailing from Sagemont Prep in Florida, he initially committed to LSU under coach Matt McMahon back in October 2025.
Thomas, who showcased his skills on the Under Armour AAU circuit with SOH Elite last summer, put up solid numbers: 11.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting stats were respectable, hitting 40% from the field, 32% from beyond the arc, and 70% from the charity stripe. Adam Finklestein of 247Sports praised Thomas as one of the top athletes in his class, noting his improved shooting ability, particularly when given space and rhythm.
The former LSU commit had a host of offers on the table from schools like Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Miami, Florida State, and California, among others.
Meanwhile, LSU is navigating more roster changes with three players planning to enter the transfer portal on April 7: guards Dedan Thomas and Ron Zipper, along with forward Jalen Reed.
The Tigers' 2026 recruiting class still boasts talent with commitments from Herly Brutus, another four-star wing from Florida, and Marcus Vaughns from Australia, who joined LSU early for the spring semester. Additionally, Owen Foxwell, a seasoned 22-year-old guard from the National Basketball League of Australia, rounds out the class. Foxwell has been making waves with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, averaging 11.1 points and showcasing his playmaking abilities.
As LSU adjusts to these changes, the program's future remains intriguing with a mix of incoming talent and the potential for new additions.