LSU Makes Early Moves in 2026 Recruiting Class as Lane Kiffin Begins New Era in Baton Rouge
December’s early signing period is always a pivotal stretch in the college football calendar, and this year it’s carrying a little extra weight down in Baton Rouge. Just days after Lane Kiffin was officially introduced as LSU’s new head coach, he's already putting his stamp on the Tigers' 2026 recruiting class - a group that was largely built under Brian Kelly, but is now beginning to reflect Kiffin’s vision for the program.
Let’s break down where things stand for LSU after the first wave of signings, who’s already locked in, and which big names are still in play.
Brysten Martinez, 4-star OT - Locked In
One of the biggest early wins for Kiffin and his staff came with the signing of Brysten Martinez, a top-10 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 4 overall prospect in Louisiana. The Gonzales native had been committed to LSU since February, but with programs like Alabama, Missouri, and Texas still in the mix, nothing was guaranteed.
Martinez brings size, athleticism, and a mean streak in the trenches - exactly the kind of foundational piece you want anchoring your offensive line for years to come. For a coach like Kiffin, who thrives on explosive offense, having a blue-chip tackle like Martinez in the fold is a huge box checked.
Corey Barber, 4-star WR - Flips from Ole Miss to LSU
This one had a bit of drama. Corey Barber, a four-star wideout out of Pinson, Alabama, had been committed to Ole Miss - where Kiffin recruited him - before flipping to LSU on signing day.
It’s a significant pickup, not just because of Barber’s talent (No. 25 WR nationally), but because it shows that Kiffin’s recruiting relationships are already paying dividends at his new home.
Barber’s a smooth route-runner with top-end speed and strong hands. He’ll fit right into the Tigers’ receiving corps and could be a name to watch early in his college career.
Aiden Hall, 4-star S - Staying Home
Another Louisiana product staying in-state, Aiden Hall made it official on Tuesday. Ranked as the No. 18 safety in the 2026 class, Hall had offers from Alabama, Miami, Texas A&M, and Oregon, among others, but ultimately chose to stay close to home.
Hall brings versatility to the secondary - he can play deep, come up in run support, and cover tight ends or slot receivers. In a league like the SEC, where defensive backs are constantly tested, Hall’s skill set will be a welcome addition to LSU’s back end.
Jabari Mack, 4-star WR - Sticking with the Tigers
Jabari Mack, the No. 1 wide receiver in Louisiana and a top-10 WR nationally, reaffirmed his commitment to LSU despite the coaching change. That’s a big deal. Mack had offers from major programs like Penn State, Texas, Miami, and Ohio State, but never wavered in his pledge to the Tigers.
Mack’s loyalty is matched by his talent. He’s a dynamic playmaker with elite burst and body control - the kind of receiver who can take the top off a defense or work underneath and rack up yards after the catch. Kiffin has to be thrilled to keep him in the class.
Dezyrian Ellis, 3-star CB - Versatile and Underrated
Dezyrian Ellis has been committed to LSU since June, and he made it official this week. While 247Sports lists him as an athlete, LSU appears to be bringing him in primarily as a safety. At 6-foot-1, Ellis brings length and athleticism to the secondary, and he could develop into a Swiss Army knife-type defender in the Tigers’ back seven.
He might not have the star rating of some of LSU’s other signees, but Ellis has the tools to carve out a role.
Brayden Allen, 3-star WR - Flips from Oklahoma
Another late flip, Brayden Allen decommitted from Oklahoma just hours after Kiffin was named LSU’s head coach - and by signing day, he was a Tiger. The No. 60 wideout in the class and a top-15 prospect in Louisiana, Allen adds depth to a receiver group that’s suddenly looking like one of the strengths of the 2026 class.
Allen’s quickness and ability to separate make him a strong fit in Kiffin’s offense, which emphasizes spacing and tempo. Don’t be surprised if he turns into a productive piece of the puzzle.
Big Names Still Committed (But Not Signed Yet)
While LSU has already locked in several key pieces, two of the biggest names in the 2026 class - Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson - remain verbally committed but have yet to officially sign.
- Lamar Brown, a five-star quarterback and the No. 2 overall player in the country, is the crown jewel of the class. He’s the top-ranked player in Louisiana and could be a program-defining talent for Kiffin if he stays committed.
- Richard Anderson, a five-star defensive lineman and No. 12 overall nationally, would be a game-changer in the trenches. He’s the No. 1 DL in the class and a high-priority target for any team in the country.
Those two names will be worth watching closely as the early signing period continues and February’s National Signing Day approaches.
LSU’s 2026 Recruiting Class - Who’s In So Far
Here’s a snapshot of LSU’s 2026 class as it stands:
| Player | Position | National Rank | State Rank | Position Rank | Status |
|---|
| Brysten Martinez | OT | No. 82 | No.
3 (LA) | No. 9 | Signed |
| Corey Barber | WR | No. 144 | No.
6 (AL) | No. 20 | Signed |
| Aiden Hall | S | No. 192 | No.
7 (LA) | No. 17 | Signed |
| Jabari Mack | WR | No. 234 | No.
10 (LA) | No. 31 | Signed |
| Dezyrian Ellis | CB | NA | No. 13 (LA) | No.
28 | Signed | | Brayden Allen | WR | NA | No.
18 (LA) | No. 75 | Signed |
| Lamar Brown | ATH | No. 2 | No.
1 (LA) | No. 1 | Committed |
| Richard Anderson | DL | No. 12 | No.
2 (LA) | No. 1 | Committed |
| Trenton Hendeson | EDGE | No. 56 | No.
8 (FL) | No. 8 | Committed |
| Deuce Geralds | DL | No. 65 | No.
7 (GA) | No. 4 | Committed |
| Havon Finney | CB | No. 159 | No.
16 (CA) | No. 17 | Committed |
| Bryson Cooley | OT | No. 201 | No.
8 (MS) | No. 22 | Committed |
| Dylan Purter | S | No. 217 | No.
10 (AL) | No. 21 | Committed |
| JC Anderson | TE | NA | No. 7 (IL) | No.
11 | Committed | | Isaiah Washington | S | NA | No.
24 (LA) | No. 68 | Committed |
| Ryan Miret | IOL | NA | No. 88 (FL) | No.
65 | Committed |
Where LSU Stands Nationally
Right now, LSU’s 2026 class ranks 12th in the country and sixth in the SEC. That’s a strong starting point for a staff that’s barely unpacked their boxes. And if Kiffin can seal the deal with Brown and Anderson - and maybe add a few more splash names - this could end up being the highest-rated class of his head coaching career.
For LSU fans, the early returns under Kiffin are promising. The Tigers are keeping top in-state talent home, flipping key targets from other major programs, and building a class with both star power and depth. It’s only December, but the foundation for the next era of LSU football is already taking shape.