Lane Kiffin hasn’t wasted a second since taking over in Baton Rouge. In just a short time at the helm, he’s already made a strong impression by keeping several key contributors from the 2025 squad and locking down the nation’s top-ranked transfer portal class. That’s the kind of early momentum Tiger fans were hoping for-and exactly what LSU needs to stay in the thick of the SEC arms race.
But recruiting never sleeps, and Monday brought a bit of a gut punch.
Two of the most plugged-in recruiting analysts in the game-Steve Wiltfong and Sam Spiegelman-both logged expert predictions in favor of Texas A&M landing five-star edge rusher Zyron Forstall. That’s a big swing in a high-stakes battle, especially considering Forstall’s Louisiana roots and the fact that LSU had long been viewed as the frontrunner.
Forstall, originally from New Orleans and now suiting up for IMG Academy in Florida, is one of the most coveted players in the 2027 class. He’s ranked as the No. 2 player in Louisiana and sits inside the national top 10, according to Rivals.
The 247Sports Composite has him pegged as the No. 2 edge rusher and No. 11 overall player in the country. In short, this is a game-changer off the edge-exactly the kind of player LSU wants anchoring its next wave of defensive talent.
For months, the buzz around Forstall had LSU in the driver’s seat. His Louisiana ties, plus the opportunity to play close to home in front of a fan base that lives and breathes football, made the Tigers a natural fit.
But Texas A&M, under Mike Elko, is clearly making a strong push. And now, it feels like the momentum is shifting.
If Forstall ends up in College Station, it would sting-not just because of the talent he brings, but because of the context. The last time LSU and A&M met on the field, the Aggies walked out of Tiger Stadium with a 49-25 win, a result that sent shockwaves through the program and ultimately led to Brian Kelly’s dismissal the very next day.
The loss was bad enough. Seeing A&M fans outnumber LSU supporters in Death Valley’s closing moments?
That was salt in the wound. Losing a top in-state recruit to that same program would only deepen the frustration.
As of now, LSU’s 2027 class includes four-star edge Jaiden Bryant and four-star quarterback Peyton Houston-two strong foundational pieces. But adding Forstall would elevate the group into another tier. He’s the kind of player who can set the tone for a class and help build a defensive identity around his skill set.
Kiffin and his staff are still in the fight, but they’re facing an uphill climb. The clock is ticking, and this recruitment is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal storylines of LSU’s 2027 cycle.