LSU Football Recruiting Update: Early Signing Period Brings Key Additions, Ongoing Drama
It’s a new era in Baton Rouge, and the Lane Kiffin era is wasting no time making waves. With the early signing period underway, LSU is starting to lock in the foundation of its 2026 recruiting class-even as the coaching staff remains in transition.
The Tigers are bringing in a strong group of high school talent this week, with several key players already putting pen to paper. Others remain committed but unsigned, and a few have backed away entirely.
Let’s break it all down.
✅ Signed and Sealed: Early Additions to the 2026 Class
LSU has already secured signatures from several high-impact players, many of whom have been committed for months. Here’s who’s officially on board:
- Jabari Mack, a four-star wide receiver from Destrehan High (Destrehan, La.), has been solid since March and now makes it official. Mack brings size, speed, and a polished route tree-he’s the kind of in-state talent LSU has to keep home.
- Brysten Martinez, a four-star offensive tackle out of East Ascension High (Gonzales, La.), has been committed since February. At 6-foot-6 with elite footwork, Martinez projects as a cornerstone piece on the offensive line.
- Corey Barber, another four-star wideout, flipped from Ole Miss in December and is now locked in with the Tigers. Hailing from Clay-Chalkville High in Alabama, Barber adds depth and explosiveness to a WR room that’s quickly reloading.
- Brayden Allen, a four-star receiver from Lafayette Christian Academy, also flipped in December-this time from Oklahoma. Allen’s versatility and ability to stretch the field make him a dangerous addition to LSU’s passing game.
- Dezyrian Ellis, a four-star safety from Franklin Parish High (Winnsboro, La.), has been committed since June and now signs on the dotted line. Ellis is a rangy, hard-hitting safety who fits the mold of LSU’s tradition-rich secondary.
🟡 Still Committed, But Not Yet Signed
A number of LSU’s top targets remain verbally committed but have yet to send in their letters of intent. These names are worth watching closely as the early signing period continues and National Signing Day looms in February:
- JC Anderson, a four-star tight end from Mt. Zion High (Decatur, Ill.), flipped from Ole Miss earlier this month. LSU’s offense under Kiffin could use a dynamic TE like Anderson, but he hasn’t signed-yet.
- Ryan Miret, a three-star offensive lineman out of Miami Southridge, also flipped from Ole Miss in December. Miret brings depth and potential, but like Anderson, LSU fans will be holding their breath until the ink dries.
- Lamar Brown, a five-star athlete from University High (Baton Rouge, La.), is one of the crown jewels of this class. He’s been committed since July, and keeping the local star home would be a major win for Kiffin’s staff.
- Richard Anderson, a five-star defensive tackle from Edna Karr High (New Orleans, La.), is another elite Louisiana prospect LSU is working hard to keep in the fold. Committed since June 2024, Anderson has the kind of disruptive potential that can anchor a defensive front for years.
- Deuce Geralds, a four-star defensive lineman from Collins Hill High (Suwanee, Ga.), committed in August and remains on board-for now. He’s another key piece in what could be a dominant defensive class.
- Trenton Henderson, a four-star edge rusher from Pine Forest High (Pensacola, Fla.), has been committed since July. Henderson brings twitch, bend, and a relentless motor off the edge.
- Havon Finney, a four-star cornerback from Sierra Canyon High (Chatsworth, Cal.), committed in April. Finney’s length and ball skills make him an intriguing prospect in LSU’s DBU pipeline.
- Aiden Hall, a four-star safety from Edna Karr, has been on board since August 2024. Another local product, Hall’s instincts and physicality could make him a future starter in the Tigers’ secondary.
- Bryson Cooley, a four-star offensive lineman from West Jones High (Laurel, Miss.), has been committed since July. LSU continues to stockpile talent in the trenches.
- Dylan Purter, a four-star safety from Booker T. Washington High (Tuskegee, Ala.), committed in March. He’s a rangy defender with a nose for the ball.
- Isaiah Washington, a four-star safety from Haynesville High (La.), committed in July. Washington’s versatility gives LSU another chess piece in the secondary.
❌ Decommitments: Who’s Backed Away
Not every commitment sticks, especially during a coaching change. LSU has seen a few prospects back off their pledges in recent weeks:
- Kenny Darby, a four-star receiver from Airline High (Bossier City, La.), had been committed since November 2024 but has now decommitted.
- Jalan Chapman, a three-star offensive lineman from Warren Easton High (New Orleans, La.), decommitted after being on board since July 2024.
- Kervin Johnson Jr., a three-star wide receiver from Tioga High (Tioga, La.), had committed just this October but has since reopened his recruitment.
📝 What’s Next?
The early signing period runs through Friday, and LSU still has plenty of work to do. With several high-profile commitments unsigned, the next 48 hours could be pivotal. And with National Signing Day set for February 4, there’s still time to flip targets, secure signatures, and potentially add more names to the mix.
Lane Kiffin’s first class in Baton Rouge is already shaping up to be a strong one-especially if the Tigers can close on their top unsigned commits. The foundation is forming, but the finish line is still a few months away. Stay tuned.