In the fiercely competitive realm of college football recruiting, securing top-tier defensive talent is paramount. The LSU Tigers, under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, have been making significant strides in this domain, aiming to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming seasons. Recent developments suggest that LSU is positioning itself to potentially secure commitments from elite defensive recruits, possibly swaying them away from other SEC rivals.
One of the most notable prospects in this regard is five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart from Reserve, Louisiana. Standing at 6’5.5″ and weighing 270 pounds, Stewart has been a dominant force on the field. His recruitment has been closely monitored by several top programs, including LSU. During an official visit to Baton Rouge, Stewart met with Coach Kelly, signaling the Tigers’ serious interest in securing his commitment . This visit places LSU in a favorable position, especially considering Stewart’s reclassification to the 2025 recruiting class, which has intensified the competition among elite programs.
Another significant development is the commitment of four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy from Tupelo, Mississippi, to LSU. McCoy, who stands at 6’6″ and weighs 245 pounds, had received offers from several prestigious programs, including Alabama, Tennessee, and USC. His decision to commit to LSU over these programs underscores the Tigers’ growing appeal among top defensive recruits. Coach Kelly’s early involvement in McCoy’s recruitment, dating back to his eighth-grade season, played a pivotal role in building a strong relationship that culminated in this commitment .
The Tigers’ defensive recruiting efforts are further exemplified by their pursuit of four-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson from Pensacola, Florida. Henderson, ranked as the No. 3 EDGE prospect nationally, has been a standout performer with impressive statistics, including 58 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Coach Kelly and the LSU staff visited Henderson in Florida, emphasizing their commitment to securing top defensive talent. This visit indicates LSU’s intent to remain competitive in the recruitment of elite defensive prospects .
Additionally, LSU’s recruitment of four-star defensive lineman Dylan Berymon from Monroe, Louisiana, further highlights their aggressive approach in securing top defensive talent. Berymon, ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman in Louisiana, has seen his stock rise following a standout junior campaign. Coach Kelly’s personal visit to Berymon underscores LSU’s commitment to keeping top in-state talent within the program. The recruitment of Berymon, along with other prospects, positions LSU to potentially assemble one of the most formidable defensive line classes in the country .
The Tigers’ defensive recruiting efforts are not limited to the 2025 class. In the 2026 cycle, LSU has secured commitments from several promising prospects, including four-star defensive lineman Richard Anderson and four-star safety Aiden Hall. These early commitments reflect the program’s sustained success in attracting top defensive talent. The addition of McCoy to this class further strengthens LSU’s defensive prospects for the future .
In conclusion, LSU’s proactive approach in recruiting elite defensive talent, coupled with Coach Kelly’s personal involvement, has positioned the Tigers as a formidable force in college football recruiting. By successfully attracting top prospects like Stewart, McCoy, Henderson, and Berymon, LSU is setting the stage for a dominant defensive lineup in the coming seasons. As the recruiting cycle progresses, the Tigers’ ability to sway elite recruits from other SEC rivals will be a testament to their growing influence and success in the competitive landscape of college football.
