LSU trending for elite 2026 DB Blaine Bradford

Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic four-star safety Jacob Bradford announced his commitment to LSU on Saturday. Now, On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong has logged an expert prediction for the Tigers to land Jacob’s brother — elite 2026 safety Blaine Bradford.

LSU now has a 95.9% chance of landing Bradford, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. Alabama, Texas and Notre Dame all trail the Purple and Gold in the RPM.

Blaine is the nation’s No. 14 overall prospect, No. 1 safety and No. 2 recruit from Louisiana 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 Bradford. He is the No. 9 recruit nationally and top-ranked safety in the 2026 On300.

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings wrote this about Bradford in March.

“Bradford is a clear top talent at the position given his instincts, physicality, closing speed and range in coverage. He’s had the look of an advanced safety prospect dating back to his freshman season and the glimpses we saw from him as a sophomore only furthered that belief.”

Both Jacob and Blaine were in to see LSU defeat UCLA last month, and their father gave high remarks when speaking with On3’s Steve Wiltfong about the visit.

“LSU stands high with the Bradfords,” Stacy Bradford said. “Blaine and Jacob are Baton Rouge kids, and will always love LSU no matter what decision is made. These two young men have done a great job with the recruiting process. I am so happy with how they are juggling life, school and football. We would be satisfied with any choice they make. It is on them at this point.”Blaine Bradford