Lane Kiffin wasted no time making waves in Baton Rouge, and if his early work in the 2026 recruiting and transfer portal cycle is any indication, LSU fans have plenty to be excited about. But in college football, the grind never stops. With the 2026 class nearly wrapped, all eyes are now turning to 2027 - and once again, Kiffin and his staff are right in the thick of it.
Let’s take a closer look at three key names from the 2027 class that LSU is pursuing, and what they could mean for the Tigers’ future.
Albert Simien - No. 15 Overall, IOL
When it comes to building a championship-caliber program, it starts in the trenches. LSU knows that all too well, especially after battling inconsistency along the offensive line in recent seasons. That’s where Albert Simien comes in.
The Lake Charles native is currently the top-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2027 class, and he’s still uncommitted - for now. At one point, Alabama, Nebraska, and Texas A&M looked like the frontrunners. But Kiffin has LSU right back in the mix, and that’s no small feat.
Simien brings a rare blend of size, strength, and technique for a high school lineman. He’s the kind of player who could step in and compete for playing time as a true freshman - especially on a line that’s in need of a boost. If LSU can keep him in-state, it would be a major win for a program looking to reestablish dominance up front.
Easton Royal - No. 9 Overall, WR
Easton Royal is already committed to Texas, but in today’s college football landscape - where NIL deals and late flips are part of the game - a verbal commitment doesn’t always mean the race is over.
Royal is the kind of talent that demands attention. Clocking a 10.30 in the 100-meter dash, he brings elite speed to the table, and he’s widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the 2027 class. That kind of explosiveness is exactly what LSU has been known for at the position over the years.
While the Tigers have reloaded their receiver room through the transfer portal this offseason, Kiffin knows that long-term success comes from locking down elite high school talent - especially in Louisiana. The 2026 cycle saw the top two in-state receivers head out of state to Kentucky and Washington, and that’s a trend LSU can’t afford to let continue.
Royal may be committed elsewhere, but don’t expect LSU to back off. As long as there’s a chance, Kiffin will keep pushing.
Joshua Dobson - No. 2 Overall, CB
Of the big names LSU is targeting in 2027, Joshua Dobson might be the most realistic - and the most important.
The California native already looks the part of an SEC corner, with the size and speed to match. And with LSU’s recent success under cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond, the Tigers have a compelling pitch. Raymond has built a reputation as one of the best in the business when it comes to developing elite DBs, and recent out-of-state wins like DJ Pickett and Havon Finney only strengthen that case.
Dobson could follow a similar path - playing early in a rotational role before taking over as a full-time starter. For a program that prides itself on being “DBU,” adding a player of Dobson’s caliber would be another step toward reclaiming that title.
A Quick Word on Hudson
While he didn’t crack the top 25 in this particular ranking, tight end Hudson is a name to keep an eye on. Multiple recruiting outlets have him pegged as one of the top prospects in the country, and LSU is firmly in the mix.
He’s as close to a sure thing as you’ll find at the position - a matchup nightmare with the size to block and the athleticism to stretch the field. In a Kiffin-led offense, he could be a game-changer.
The Big Picture
Lane Kiffin has brought a new energy to LSU’s recruiting efforts, and it’s already paying off. But the work is far from done. The 2027 class is shaping up to be a pivotal one, especially when it comes to shoring up key positions and keeping elite talent close to home.
Whether it’s flipping a five-star receiver, locking down a dominant lineman, or landing the next great LSU corner, Kiffin and his staff are in attack mode - and the rest of the SEC is officially on notice.