4-star WR Jakai Anderson flips from LSU to SMU

New Orleans (La.) McDonogh 35 four-star wide receiver Jakai Anderson has flipped his commitment from LSU to SMU.

He had previously been committed to the Tigers since June 2024, when he chose them over early offers from Georgia Tech, Memphis, Tulane, Troy and UTSA. The Mustangs, however, continued to pursue him despite his commitment and have ultimately landed their third four-star recruit in the 2026 class.

The 6-foot, 160-pounder is the No. 338 overall prospect and No. 53 wide receiver in this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3, however, is much higher on him than other services. In the most recent On300 rankings, Anderson was tabbed as the nation’s No. 216 recruit and No. 33 WR.

He is the latest pledge for Rhett Lashlee and Co., joining a class that also features four-star running back Christian Rhodes, four-star wideout Xzavier Barnett, three-star safety Markel Ford, three-star EDGE, Amontre Harris, quarterback Cole Leinart and defensive lineman Keith Dotie.

Anderson jumps off the page as a prospect

Earlier this spring, he was a standout during the third weekend of Overtime’s 7v7 competition — OT7.

“Anderson was not targeted a ton on Day 1 of OT7, but he was the straw that stirred the drink for the Coastline Stars offense on Sunday,” On3 National Scout Cody Bellaire wrote. “He was the most targeted receiver for Coastline on Day 2 and was putting the ball in the paint at will scoring multiple touchdowns on the day. His ability to separate from defenders and pluck the ball away from his frame set up his team for success all day long. He’s shifty, explosive and such a natural downfield ball tracker making even the most difficult catches look simple here at OT7.”

He is coming off a standout junior campaign where he was Class 4A all-state wide receiver selection with his 57 catches for 972 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also adding 151 yards and four scores on 16 carries.

He also dominated in the return game, with a combined 518 yards and seven touchdowns.