LSU Lands Massive Recruiting News on Monday: Four-Star CB Havon Finney Jr. Commits

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

On what began as a quiet Monday morning, the LSU Tigers football program delivered one of the most impactful recruiting blows of the year—landing a surprise commitment from four-star cornerback Havon Finney Jr., a standout from Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. What was expected to be a routine recruiting update turned into a breaking development that sent shockwaves through the college football landscape.

The commitment not only bolsters LSU’s 2026 recruiting class—which is now ranked No. 1 nationally—but also reinforces LSU’s defensive legacy and reputation as a premier destination for elite secondary talent.

The Breaking Announcement That Shook College Football

Havon Finney Jr. had originally planned to narrow his recruitment to a top three list during a scheduled livestream on 247Sports. Instead, he used the platform to make a full commitment to LSU—taking many analysts and fans by surprise.

“I didn’t want to wait any longer,” Finney said during the stream. “LSU felt like home. The energy, the culture, the tradition—it just felt right.”

This bold decision effectively ended his recruitment, shutting down overtures from blue-blood programs like USC, Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon. Each had been in hot pursuit of Finney, offering compelling development opportunities and NIL incentives. But LSU won the day.

The timing of the announcement was also symbolic—made on his mother’s birthday, which Finney described as “a gift to the woman who supported me from the start.”

Who Is Havon Finney Jr.?

Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 170 pounds, Finney is widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the country. He was initially classified in the 2027 recruiting cycle and held the No. 1 cornerback spot in that class before reclassifying to 2026.

Once he made the move, he didn’t miss a beat. He landed in the top 10 among all cornerbacks in the 2026 class and is rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals, and On3.

Finney is known for his:

Elite footwork
Ball-tracking ability
Explosive burst in coverage
Physical play in press-man schemes

Recruiting analysts have compared his style to that of NFL All-Pro corners like Jaire Alexander and Stephon Gilmore—both known for their cerebral approach and surgical precision in coverage.

LSU’s 2026 Class: Nation’s Best

With Finney’s commitment, LSU’s 2026 class now has 10 total commitments and holds the No. 1 spot nationally, according to the latest 247Sports Composite Team Rankings.

The class features a healthy mix of offensive and defensive playmakers, including:

QB Michael Brewton (5-star) – Dual-threat quarterback from Texas
WR Kaden Wright (4-star) – Speedy deep threat from Florida
DL Josiah Randle (4-star) – Disruptive edge from Georgia
LB Austin Pierre (4-star) – Physical inside linebacker from Louisiana

And now, CB Havon Finney Jr., who provides the defensive secondary with a future shutdown corner.

Why Finney Chose LSU

When asked about his decision, Finney gave a wide-ranging answer that touched on several aspects:

“I talked to Coach Kelly, Coach Steeples, and a bunch of the staff. They kept it real. They weren’t just selling me dreams—they showed me how I’d fit into their system and how they develop players. Plus, there’s something about Baton Rouge… the fans, the vibe. I just knew it was the place.”

Other key factors included:

LSU’s “DBU” tradition
Early playing time possibilities
Proximity to elite competition in the SEC
Strength of the player development program

It’s also worth noting that Finney has family ties to the South, including relatives in Louisiana and Texas, which made LSU feel less like a distant outpost and more like a second home.

LSU’s Defensive Legacy: “DBU” Rides Again

LSU has long been considered “Defensive Back University” (DBU), and for good reason. The program has churned out elite cornerbacks and safeties over the past two decades, including:

Patrick Peterson
Tyrann Mathieu
Jamal Adams
Tre’Davious White
Derek Stingley Jr.
Kristian Fulton
Grant Delpit

This history isn’t just for hype—it’s a recruiting weapon. Finney acknowledged the pull of that legacy during his announcement:

“You can’t ignore what they’ve done with corners. If you want to go to the league and be one of the best, LSU is the place.”

Scheme Fit Under Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker has been instrumental in developing a fast, physical, and aggressive defensive unit. His system thrives on man coverage and demands high IQ from corners—making Finney a perfect schematic fit.

In Baker’s defense, corners are expected to:

Excel in one-on-one matchups
Disguise coverages pre-snap
Support the run game
Capitalize on turnovers

Finney’s skillset checks every box.

“He’s the type of corner we can put on an island and not worry,” said an anonymous LSU staffer. “We trust him to take away half the field.”

National Reaction: Analysts Weigh In

The commitment lit up social media and recruiting platforms within minutes. Here’s a snapshot of reactions:

Greg Biggins (247Sports):

“Havon Finney Jr. has a special blend of size, speed, and technique. LSU just landed a future All-American.”

Tom Luginbill (ESPN):

“This is a momentum-shifter for LSU. When you beat out Ohio State and USC for a West Coast kid, you’re doing something right.”

Charles Power (On3):

“LSU’s 2026 class is loaded, and Finney might end up being the most impactful of the bunch. He’s that good.”

Impact on Remaining Recruiting Efforts

Finney’s commitment could be a domino that sets off a wave of elite defensive backs pledging to LSU. Already, five-star safety Brandon Reese (from Houston, TX) and four-star corner Zyon Mack (from Atlanta, GA) have expressed interest in teaming up with Finney.

This could be the catalyst for building a 2026 defensive unit that rivals the legendary 2011 LSU defense—which featured the likes of Morris Claiborne, Eric Reid, and Tyrann Mathieu.

The Bigger Picture: LSU’s Recruiting Machine Is Rolling

Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU’s recruiting approach has become more methodical and nationwide in scope. They’ve locked down in-state talent but have also shown an ability to pull blue-chip players from across the country.

Key recruiting strategies include:

Early engagement with underclassmen
National camp exposure
Strong emphasis on family relationships
Elite-level facilities and NIL support

Finney’s West Coast roots prove that LSU’s recruiting reach is truly national.

What’s Next for Finney?

Now officially committed, Finney will likely focus on preparing for his senior season at Sierra Canyon. He’s expected to play both corner and some wide receiver, showcasing his athleticism.

He’ll also serve as a peer recruiter for LSU, encouraging other top prospects to join the movement in Baton Rouge.

“It’s time to build something special,” Finney said. “Let’s go get a natty.”

A Program-Defining Commitment

LSU’s Monday recruiting haul was more than just a win on paper. It was a cultural victory, a statement of intent, and a major step toward building a championship-caliber roster.

In Havon Finney Jr., LSU is getting:

A lockdown corner
A future leader
A competitor who embraces pressure
A young man ready to carry on the legacy of DBU

For LSU fans, the 2026 season can’t come soon enough. With Finney in the fold, the Tigers are poised to dominate the SEC and perhaps the national stage.