In a recruiting saga that has captured national attention, a highly touted LSU football commit is now reportedly torn between remaining with the Tigers or flipping to join the Alabama Crimson Tide. The battle between these two SEC powerhouses goes beyond the football field—it’s now a full-blown recruiting war that may shape the future of one program while shifting the narrative of another.
The player at the center of this drama? Five-star linebacker Jayden Singleton, the No. 2 ranked linebacker in the 2025 class and a top-15 overall player nationally, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Singleton committed to LSU in late January, but recent reports suggest Alabama has made significant headway, and the commitment may no longer be rock-solid.
With both programs in the midst of transformative seasons—Alabama under new head coach Kalen DeBoer and LSU reloading under Brian Kelly—Singleton’s final decision could serve as a tone-setter for future classes.
The Prospect: Jayden Singleton
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Jayden Singleton is the prototypical modern linebacker—agile enough to cover running backs and tight ends, yet physical enough to meet ballcarriers in the hole. A freak athlete with a verified 4.56 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, Singleton has been a menace on the field for Baton Rouge Catholic High School.
In his junior season, he posted 126 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 3 interceptions, showcasing his versatility and high football IQ. Analysts praise his closing speed and his ability to diagnose plays pre-snap, often comparing him to former Alabama star C.J. Mosley and current LSU linebacker Harold Perkins.
Singleton’s athletic upside and polished game have made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country—and the centerpiece of both LSU’s and Alabama’s 2025 classes.
The Commitment to LSU
When Singleton committed to LSU in January, it felt like a homecoming of sorts. The Tigers were the presumed favorites throughout the process thanks to their proximity, early relationship-building, and the family’s longstanding ties to Louisiana.
Brian Kelly’s staff, particularly defensive coordinator Blake Baker and linebackers coach Matt House, were instrumental in developing trust with Singleton and his camp. The coaching staff pitched him on becoming the next great LSU defensive cornerstone, following in the footsteps of Devin White, Kwon Alexander, and Patrick Queen.
Singleton even donned the purple and gold gear proudly during a televised commitment ceremony, saying, “I want to represent where I’m from. LSU is home, and I want to be a legend here.”
So what changed?
The Alabama Surge
Alabama’s persistence cannot be understated. Kalen DeBoer may be new to the SEC, but he brought an aggressive recruiting mentality with him from Washington. DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack have worked tirelessly to make inroads into Louisiana and other southern states, and their eyes have been locked on Singleton for months.
Multiple sources indicate that Alabama never stopped recruiting Singleton after his LSU commitment. Over the spring, he quietly visited Tuscaloosa at least twice, including once during Alabama’s A-Day spring game, where he was spotted speaking at length with defensive stars like Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson.
What stood out? Alabama’s pitch has centered around three main points:
- NFL Development: Alabama has long been considered “Linebacker U” for its consistent ability to produce high draft picks at the position. Singleton reportedly has aspirations of being a first-round pick, and Alabama’s development track record may give them an edge.
- Early Playing Time: With Alabama retooling its linebacker room post-Nick Saban, there’s more opportunity than ever for incoming freshmen to see the field. Wommack has reportedly told Singleton he could be a day-one starter.
- Culture Fit: DeBoer’s personality and modernized approach to player relationships and NIL conversations have been cited as refreshing and authentic by several recruits—including Singleton.
Insiders close to Alabama feel confident the Crimson Tide are neck-and-neck with LSU heading into the summer, and a flip could be imminent if the Tigers don’t solidify their hold quickly.
LSU’s Response: Rallying the Troops
Brian Kelly and his staff are not going down without a fight.
In May, LSU orchestrated a major recruiting weekend labeled the “Baton Rouge Bash,” aimed squarely at securing their top commitments. Singleton was flown in on a private jet with fellow five-star recruits, given VIP access to athletic facilities, and even spent time at head coach Brian Kelly’s home with his family.
There’s also a personal element in play. Several LSU commits, including quarterback Luke Weber and defensive back Jamal King, have gone public on social media, urging Singleton to “stay loyal to the family.”
“Jayden is LSU. He’s one of us,” Weber tweeted. “We’re building something special here, and we want our leader in the middle with us.”
Furthermore, LSU’s linebacker room is deep but not insurmountable. Singleton has a clear path to early reps, especially with senior Greg Penn III expected to leave for the NFL after this season.
The Tigers are pressing all the right buttons, but is it enough?
Family Ties and Home Pressure
One major advantage for LSU remains Singleton’s family.
His parents still reside in Baton Rouge, and his younger brother, Jordan Singleton, recently enrolled at LSU as a preferred walk-on wide receiver. The Singleton household is filled with Tiger memorabilia, and several extended family members are LSU alumni.
According to one source, “There’s definitely pressure from the family to stay home. His mom loves LSU. But Jayden is his own man, and he’s thinking big picture.”
Singleton has kept a low profile publicly, but behind the scenes, sources suggest he’s weighing the pros and cons of staying close to home versus stepping outside his comfort zone and building his brand in Tuscaloosa.
Decision Timeline
While Singleton remains publicly committed to LSU, those close to him expect clarity within the next month.
A final official visit to Alabama is scheduled for June 14–16, followed by a return trip to LSU June 21–23. Many insiders believe the decision could come shortly after that, before the July recruiting dead period.
Crystal Ball predictions are currently split: 60% favoring LSU, 40% leaning Alabama.
If Singleton flips, he would be the second high-profile recruit this cycle to decommit from LSU and join Alabama, following wide receiver Mykel Reed from Texas.
Implications for LSU and Alabama
The stakes are massive for both programs.
For LSU, losing Singleton would not only hurt from a talent standpoint but would signal a dent in Brian Kelly’s perceived recruiting fortress in Louisiana. It could also affect the momentum of their 2025 class, which is currently ranked No. 3 nationally.
For Alabama, flipping Singleton would be a signature recruiting win for Kalen DeBoer—a major statement that his regime is capable of competing with the SEC’s best both on the field and on the trail. It would also likely catapult Alabama’s 2025 class into the top five.
From a football standpoint, Singleton is the type of player that can be the face of a defense. His sideline-to-sideline range and football instincts are rare, and he’s considered a plug-and-play SEC defender.
