LSU football is once again making noise on the recruiting trail, this time by trending for a high-priority defensive line target currently on Notre Dame’s radar. As the Tigers look to reload their defensive front with elite talent, their pursuit of top-tier prospects has increasingly put them in head-to-head battles with blue blood programs like the Fighting Irish. In the case of this particular defensive lineman—whose name is becoming more prominent with every passing week—the Bayou Bengals are gaining serious momentum.
Over the last few months, the recruitment of this defensive line prospect has seen plenty of twists and turns. Initially viewed as a strong Notre Dame lean due to the program’s storied history on defense, academic prestige, and the personal relationships he had developed with members of the Irish coaching staff, things have shifted significantly. While Notre Dame remains firmly in the mix, LSU has taken major strides in building a compelling case that’s resonating with the recruit, his family, and those in his inner circle. Whether it’s the allure of playing in the SEC, the Tigers’ track record of sending linemen to the NFL, or the program’s growing culture under head coach Brian Kelly—ironically, the former Notre Dame leader—LSU has managed to close the gap and now appears to have the inside track.
It’s no secret that elite defensive linemen are among the most coveted recruits in the country. They’re game-wreckers, capable of dictating the flow of an offense and shifting the momentum of entire contests. Programs like Notre Dame and LSU don’t just want these types of players—they need them to contend for national championships. That’s what makes this particular battle so compelling. It’s not simply about adding a player. It’s about securing a piece of a larger championship puzzle.
From a physical standpoint, the recruit is everything coaches at the collegiate level dream of: explosive off the snap, with violent hands, elite bend around the edge, and the strength to play both inside and outside depending on scheme. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing just over 270 pounds, he has the frame to add even more good weight without sacrificing athleticism. Scouts rave about his motor and toughness, calling him a “relentless disrupter” who plays every down like it’s his last. He’s already established himself as a dominant force at the high school level, racking up sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hurries in bunches. But what truly separates him from others in his class is his football IQ and ability to diagnose plays before they develop.
LSU’s interest in him didn’t come out of nowhere. The Tigers identified him early and made him a top priority in their recruiting efforts. Defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey has led the charge, personally visiting the recruit on multiple occasions, speaking regularly with his family, and making sure the young man feels like a centerpiece of the Tigers’ plans. The LSU staff has emphasized development and fit, showing film of former Tiger greats like Glenn Dorsey, Michael Brockers, and more recently, BJ Ojulari. They’ve mapped out a clear plan for how he’d be used in their scheme and have made it known he’d be given every opportunity to compete for early playing time. And beyond football, the coaching staff has talked extensively about the LSU network, life after the game, and the holistic development they aim to provide their student-athletes.
Another factor that cannot be ignored is the presence of Brian Kelly. While his departure from Notre Dame left some Irish fans with mixed emotions, there’s no denying his ability to recruit and develop talent. Kelly has brought structure, discipline, and vision to LSU—a program long known for its raw talent but occasional inconsistency. His message to recruits is simple: “Come to LSU, compete at the highest level, and prepare for the NFL.” That message is resonating, especially with recruits who want to play on national television every Saturday, face the best competition, and know they’ll be developed by a coach who has built winning programs at multiple stops.
For Notre Dame, the battle is far from over. Defensive line coach Al Washington has done an exceptional job keeping the Irish in the race. The program’s consistency, elite academics, and defensive tradition continue to make South Bend an attractive option. Notre Dame has pitched the recruit on being the face of their next great defensive line, pointing to past legends and emphasizing how he could leave a legacy of his own. Their coaching staff has also leaned into the relationships they’ve built, hosting the recruit and his family for multiple visits and ensuring he feels like a top priority.
Yet, despite those efforts, momentum is a powerful thing in recruiting. And right now, LSU has it. Several recruiting analysts have recently logged crystal ball predictions in favor of the Tigers, citing behind-the-scenes buzz, growing comfort with the coaching staff, and the prospect’s excitement about potentially playing in Baton Rouge. The Tigers’ spring game was reportedly a major turning point. According to sources close to the situation, the recruit left that visit “blown away” by the environment, the energy in Tiger Stadium, and the passion of the fanbase. The in-person experience gave him a glimpse of what it would be like to wear the purple and gold and run out of the tunnel to 100,000 roaring fans.
It’s worth noting that a commitment isn’t imminent—at least not yet. The recruit has indicated he wants to take his time, possibly wait until the fall to make a decision, and still plans to take official visits. Both Notre Dame and LSU will continue to fight tooth and nail for his signature, and other programs—like Ohio State and Alabama—are still lurking in the background. But as it stands, LSU is in the driver’s seat, and the longer they maintain that position, the harder it becomes for others to regain traction.
In many ways, this recruitment is a reflection of the current college football landscape. NIL opportunities, coaching relationships, player development, and program trajectory all weigh heavily on a prospect’s decision. LSU is firing on all cylinders right now, checking boxes across the board and showing why they’re once again becoming a recruiting powerhouse. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is doing everything it can to remain in the hunt, banking on its tradition, consistency, and player-first approach to win out in the end.
Regardless of where this prospect ends up, his decision will send shockwaves across the college football world. If he picks LSU, it will solidify the Tigers’ status as the new defensive line kings of the SEC and add a marquee name to what’s shaping up to be an elite recruiting class. If he chooses Notre Dame, it’ll be a statement that the Irish can still go into SEC territory and pull out major wins on the trail. Either way, programs, fans, and analysts alike will be watching closely.
Recruiting is often described as a rollercoaster, and this recruitment is no different. Emotions run high, fanbases dissect every move, and coaches pull out all the stops. For the recruit at the center of it all, it’s a life-changing decision—and one he’s trying to make with care, clarity, and confidence. For LSU, the recent surge in momentum is a promising sign. They’ve laid the foundation, built the relationships, and now they’re closing in.
If the Tigers do indeed land him, it could be one of the biggest recruiting wins of the 2025 cycle—not just because of the player’s talent, but because of what it would mean for LSU’s future. Dominant defensive lines win championships. And right now, LSU is doing everything it can to build another one.