The LSU Football 2026 Class: Inside the Tigers’ No. 1 Recruiting Class in America

By [Your Name] — April 2025

When Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge in December 2021, he was tasked with restoring LSU Football to perennial national title contention. Fast-forward to 2025, and not only has Kelly reshaped the culture and roster, but he’s also built the best recruiting class in the country for 2026. According to major recruiting outlets like 247Sports and On3, the LSU Tigers boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, positioning themselves as a future SEC powerhouse and College Football Playoff mainstay.

From elite defensive linemen and versatile offensive playmakers to national-level targets still on the board, LSU’s 2026 class is a statement: LSU is back—and it’s built to last.

A New Era of Recruiting in Baton Rouge

Coach Brian Kelly, widely regarded for his organization and long-term planning, has revolutionized LSU’s recruiting philosophy. Where past Tigers regimes emphasized flash and Louisiana-heavy classes, Kelly and his staff have expanded LSU’s national recruiting footprint while still locking down elite in-state talent.

“We’re going to win championships with great players,” Kelly said at a recent booster event. “That starts with getting the best in Louisiana and going anywhere in the country to bring championship character to LSU.”

Commitment Breakdown: Who’s Already On Board

As of late April 2025, LSU has secured 11 verbal commitments for the 2026 class. The class features a mix of 4- and 5-star talent, with elite athletes across every level of the field. Let’s break down the key figures.

Richard Anderson – DL, New Orleans, LA

The crown jewel of the current class. Anderson is a 5-star defensive tackle, ranked among the top 10 players nationally. At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, Anderson already possesses SEC-ready size, technique, and football IQ. His commitment was a major victory for Kelly, fending off Georgia and Alabama.

Anderson is a modern interior lineman with violent hands and surprising agility. He’s been compared to former LSU great Glenn Dorsey and is expected to anchor the Tigers’ defensive front for years.

Aiden Hall – S, Baton Rouge, LA

Another in-state blue-chip prospect, Hall is a rangy, instinctual safety who can cover like a corner and hit like a linebacker. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Hall has the frame and speed to be a multi-year starter. He chose LSU over Florida State and Michigan.

Kenny Darby – WR, Lafayette, LA

A dynamic playmaker, Darby is LSU’s most explosive offensive commitment so far. He’s drawn comparisons to Kayshon Boutte with his ability to stretch the field and make defenders miss in space. He has recorded multiple 1,000-yard seasons in high school and is a track star in the 100m.

JaReylan McCoy – DL, Tupelo, MS

One of LSU’s biggest out-of-state wins of the cycle so far. McCoy, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound edge rusher, chose the Tigers over Alabama, Tennessee, and USC. He’s long, fast, and relentless—LSU sees him as a future 3-4 outside linebacker or hybrid defensive end. He was recruited heavily by OLB coach Kevin Peoples.

Jakai Anderson – DB, Shreveport, LA

A physical, versatile defensive back with good ball skills, Anderson adds depth and toughness to LSU’s secondary. While not as highly ranked as Hall, Anderson has strong upside and a high football IQ. He’s been praised for his leadership and work ethic.

Jalan Chapman – OL, Monroe, LA

Chapman may be a 3-star on paper, but his tape tells a different story. At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, he’s an athletic left tackle who excels in run blocking. LSU believes he could develop into a top-tier SEC lineman with a couple years in the program.

In Pursuit of Greatness: Top Targets Still in Play

Jackson Cantwell – OT, Nixa, MO

The No. 1 overall prospect in the country. Cantwell, 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, is a generational offensive tackle who could start as a freshman at nearly any Power 5 program. LSU made his top 10 list and is firmly in the mix alongside Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas.

Cantwell’s recruitment will come down to relationships and development track records. LSU’s ability to sell its offensive line pipeline under Brad Davis and the SEC’s elite competition gives the Tigers a fighting chance.

Kendrick Bailey – QB, Austin, TX

Bailey is a top-five quarterback and has shown real interest in LSU. A dual-threat weapon, Bailey has elite mobility and a strong arm. He’s reportedly visited LSU multiple times and has developed a good rapport with offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.

If LSU lands Bailey, the 2026 class could be the most balanced offensive haul since the Joe Burrow era.

DeShawn Grimes – LB, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Grimes is a tackling machine and one of the fastest-rising linebackers in the nation. LSU loves his speed and football instincts. Florida State, Miami, and Auburn are in the mix, but LSU has prioritized him as a future defensive captain.

Inside the Strategy: LSU’s Recruiting Philosophy

Brian Kelly’s recruiting approach is methodical, data-driven, and focused on long-term development. LSU isn’t just chasing stars—they’re targeting players who fit the program’s culture, academic standards, and positional needs.

Key Pillars of LSU’s 2026 Strategy:

• Early Evaluations: LSU targets rising juniors earlier than most programs, building relationships before the hype begins.
• Home State Priority: Louisiana is always the backbone. Expect LSU to try and close the cycle with 8–10 in-state prospects.
• National Expansion: From Mississippi to Missouri to Florida and Texas, LSU is now a national recruiting force.
• Positional Balance: The Tigers are careful not to overload at one position, emphasizing depth and flexibility.

The Coaching Staff: Recruiters Who Connect

LSU’s success on the trail isn’t just about Brian Kelly. It’s the assistants and recruiting support staff who are helping land blue-chip talent.

• Frank Wilson (Associate Head Coach/RBs): Arguably the best Louisiana recruiter of the modern era. His connections run deep across the state.
• Joe Sloan (OC/QBs): Young, energetic, and relatable. Sloan has been key in QB recruiting and offensive skill positions.
• Robert Steeples (CBs Coach): A rising star in coaching circles, known for his ability to develop and mentor.
• Kevin Peoples (OLBs Coach): Responsible for landing JaReylan McCoy, with a growing reputation in the Southeast.

Class Rankings and National Impact

As of April 2025:

• 247Sports Class Rank: #1
• On3 Consensus Rank: #1
• ESPN Rank: #2 (pending updates)

LSU has passed Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas in the rankings, despite having fewer commits overall. That speaks to the quality per commit metric, where LSU leads the country.

If the Tigers can close on even one of their top five targets—Cantwell, Bailey, or Grimes—this could go down as LSU’s best recruiting class since 2001, when players like Marcus Spears, Michael Clayton, and Andrew Whitworth helped build the foundation for LSU’s 2003 national championship.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

The next few months are crucial. Summer official visits, camps, and the early signing period in December will shape the final trajectory of this class.

Key Milestones:

• June 2025: Official visits begin. LSU will host dozens of top recruits.
• July 2025: SEC Media Days — commits often follow major media cycles.
• October 2025: Midseason evaluations. Kelly and staff recheck tape for final offers.
• December 2025: Early Signing Day. LSU will aim to sign 90% of the class.

LSU’s Future is Built on This Class

LSU isn’t just winning battles on the recruiting trail—they’re building the future of their program. The 2026 class already features elite talent, promising depth, and program-defining potential. If Brian Kelly and his staff can close strong, this class won’t just be No. 1 on paper—it’ll be remembered as the foundation of LSU’s next national title run.