LSU adds another key piece to top-10 2026 recruiting class

At the 2025 edition of the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando, LSU added to its fast-growing 2026 recruiting class.

Tupelo (Miss.) four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy committed to the Tigers on ESPN2 during the high school showcase. He chose the Purple and Gold over Tennessee and USC.

McCoy is the nation’s No. 124 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 is especially high on him, ranking McCoy No. 88 in the 2026 class and higher than the other three major recruiting services.

LSU came into the day already with five commitments in its 2026 class and a No. 7 ranking in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The addition of McCoy bumped the Tigers up to No. 4 in the early stages of this cycle.

Of LSU’s now six committed recruits in the 2026 class, five rate as blue-chip prospects in the On3 Industry Ranking. New Orleans Edna Karr teammates Richard Anderson and Aiden Hall lead the way as top-40 recruits in America.

A pair of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball are also pledged to LSU. Bossier City (La.) Airline four-star receiver Kenny Darby and New Orleans McDonogh 35 four-star WR Jakai Anderson are top-300 prospects.

Brian Kelly & Co. are looking to carry momentum from the 2025 recruiting class into the next cycle. The Tigers finished the Early Signing Period with the No. 7 class in the 2025 team rankings. A trio of five-star recruits led the way in Five-Star Plus+ cornerback DJ Pickett, five-star running back Harlem Berry and five-star interior offensive lineman Solomon Thomas.

LSU branched out quite a bit more with its 2025 class than the previous cycle. In the 2024 class, 66 percent of commits hailed from the state of Louisiana. With the 2025 group, just 43 percent come from the Bayou State. While still early in the 2026 cycle, McCoy is the first recruit from outside the state borders to pledge to the Tigers.