It was a chaotic 72 hours on the recruiting front. With the arrival of Kiffin, changes occurred. Several players decommitted from LSU and others chose not to sign. But there was no shortage of good news with Kiffin adding some twists. According to Rivals, LSU’s class is ranked No. 10 in the country. That’s better than where LSU entered the week.
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In total, 10 players signed on Wednesday. That leaves six players committed to LSU unsigned. Of that group, a few more will sign before the end of the week and a couple more prospects could walk away from the Tigers.
Despite all the noise and the coaching change, LSU is on track to end up with a strong recruiting class. That’s one of the reasons Kiffin took this job.
Here are five takeaways from Lane Kiffin’s early signing day one at LSU.
1. LSU closes the deal on a five-star defensive tackle
Richard Anderson, a five-star defensive tackle out of New Orleans, committed to LSU more than a year ago. On Tuesday night, reports revealed that Anderson was considering not signing with the Tigers on Wednesday, taking more time to think about the decision as Texas pushed for a turnaround.
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But on Wednesday, LSU closed the deal. Anderson decided to sign with the Tigers, becoming Kiffin’s first five-star recruit in Baton Rouge.
The Edna Karr product is ranked as the top defensive tackle in the country, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. If you play five-star defensive tackles, the defense is probably pretty good.
2. Some of LSU’s top prospects need more time.
According to Rivals, LSU’s top three commitments are all defensive linemen (Lamar Brown is listed as an athlete, but is expected to play defense).
LSU signed Anderson, but Brown and Deuce Geralds remain unsigned. There’s a chance Brown won’t sign at first, but Geralds said he’ll decide Friday. Brown is the top-ranked recruit in the country and Geralds is No. 48. Top 50 prospects would be huge for LSU if the Tigers can get over the finish line.
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LSU can’t afford to lose Brown. He’s a five-star in LSU’s backyard. The Tigers beat Texas A&M for their commitment in July and it would be painful to lose to an SEC rival at the last minute. There is uncertainty about LSU’s coaching staff with most offensive assistants expected to be fired and DC Blake Baker exploring head coaching opportunities. Once everything calms down, we’ll have clarity on Brown’s plans.
3. LSU stocks up on pass catchers
LSU signed a solid group of receivers, led by four-star Louisiana product Jabari Mack. Mack committed to the Tigers in March and remained steadfast in his promise during the coaching transition. ESPN highly considers Mack, ranking him as the No. 64 overall prospect in the class.
Along with Mack, LSU hired Corey Barber and Brayden Allen. Barber and Allen committed to LSU’s class this week as new LSU wide receivers coach George McDonald hit the ground running and took advantage of the relationships he built while recruiting for Ole Miss.
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Since the departure of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr, LSU has struggled to find wide receivers in high school. In 2024 and 2025, LSU did not have a receiver signed out of high school who surpassed 270 yards. Kiffin and crew will count on this group to turn the tide. LSU has a rich history of recruiting and developing wide receiver talent; The Tigers hope to return to that standard with Kiffin.
4. LSU signs a four-star tackle, but looks to add another
Signing four-star tackle Brysten MartÃnez was important. Martinez committed to LSU in February and remained committed despite doubts that his position coach, Brad Davis, would be retained. 247Sports ranks Martinez as the No. 82 overall prospect in the country and No. 9 at his position. He’s a consensus top-five player in Louisiana, the type of player LSU can’t let out of state.
Martinez is the top-ranked offensive lineman in his class at LSU, but the Tigers also added three-star center Ryan Miret. It’s a position LSU will need to recruit in the transfer portal.
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However, LSU hopes to add another offensive lineman. Four-star tackle Bryson Cooley remains committed to the Tigers, but did not sign Wednesday. Alabama reportedly has momentum with the Mississippi native. However, LSU is still fighting and it’s not over yet.
5. LSU still has moves to make
The drama isn’t over: LSU is still pushing to trade elite prospects. Rumors emerged on social media that LSU was close to trading four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth from South Carolina. LSU does not have a committed QB, making Duckworth a top priority for Kiffin and Co. Duckworth was also recruited by LSU’s previous staff and is familiar around the school.
The other name to know is five-star wide receiver Jase Matthews (currently committed to Auburn). Matthews was recruited by LSU’s former offensive staff and Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss. That gives him comfort with the school and the incoming coaching staff. Auburn and Ole Miss can’t say that. Adding a five-star wide receiver would be a huge impact.
LSU signed four-star tight end JC Anderson, but the Tigers wanted to sign two at the position. LSU will look at the transfer portal or see what is still available at the high school level.
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This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: 5 Takeaways from Lane Kiffin’s First LSU Football Recruiting Class