The announcement came during a nationally televised segment on ESPN Recruiting Nation, where the 6-foot-5, 265-pound phenom pulled an LSU cap out from under the table, grinning ear to ear as his family erupted in cheers. Wearing a custom white suit embroidered with purple and gold stitching, Lewis Jr. shook hands with Kelly, who made a surprise appearance via live video feed.
“This is home now,” said Lewis Jr. “I know where my legacy starts and where it’s going. It’s Baton Rouge.”
THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT SHOOK THE SEC
Trey Lewis Jr.’s decision had been closely followed by national analysts, fans, and coaches alike. Ranked No. 1 in the 247Sports Composite, On3, and ESPN300, Lewis Jr. had narrowed his final list down to LSU, Alabama, Georgia, and Miami — the alma mater of his father, Ray Lewis.
“I love my dad and his legacy,” Lewis said. “But I had to write my own story. LSU gave me the keys to do that.”
Despite strong late pushes from Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and Georgia’s Kirby Smart, LSU managed to hold off the powerhouses thanks to an aggressive and personal recruiting campaign spearheaded by Kelly, defensive coordinator Blake Baker, and former Tigers great and NFL Pro Bowler Marcus Spears.
Lewis had taken multiple visits to Baton Rouge, including an unofficial trip during the 2024 season and a spring game visit this April that ultimately solidified his choice.
“It was electric,” Lewis said of the spring game. “The energy, the fans, the coaching staff — it felt like I already belonged.”
A FAMILY LEGACY, A NEW DIRECTION
Being the son of one of the most iconic defenders in NFL history comes with enormous expectations. Ray Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion and 13-time Pro Bowler, was known for his ferocious play style and unmatched football IQ. His son, however, has carved his own lane — trading linebacker instincts for edge-rushing dominance.
At IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Trey Lewis Jr. wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. As a senior, he recorded 21.5 sacks, 38 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and even scored a pair of defensive touchdowns. His blend of size, speed, and power drew comparisons to Myles Garrett and Chase Young.
“What makes Trey special is his motor,” said his IMG coach, Bobby Acosta. “He doesn’t take plays off. He’s as explosive as they come, and he’s just scratching the surface.”
Though he comes from a linebacker lineage, Lewis Jr. made it clear early in his high school career that he wanted to play on the edge.
“I want to be the one quarterbacks fear,” he said. “I want to change games with one play.”
BRIAN KELLY LANDS A CORNERSTONE
This commitment marks a monumental recruiting victory for head coach Brian Kelly, who has increasingly turned LSU into a hotbed for elite defensive talent. With Trey Lewis Jr. now the face of the 2025 class, LSU’s class ranking jumped to No. 2 nationally, trailing only Ohio State.
“This is a program-changer,” said recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Kelly has gotten five-stars before, but this is the No. 1 overall player and a household name. It sends a message to the rest of the SEC that LSU is not playing around.”
LSU’s defense has shown steady improvement under Kelly and Baker, but the addition of Lewis could take them into elite territory. Projected to play Jack linebacker or edge in LSU’s 3-4 hybrid scheme, Lewis is expected to start from day one.
“He’s that good,” said Baker. “He’s got all the tools, but he’s also got the mindset — that relentless approach. That’s what makes him different.”
RECRUITING TRAIL DOMINO EFFECT
With Lewis Jr. in the fold, LSU is expected to become a destination for several other high-profile recruits. Already, five-star cornerback Jalen Merriweather and four-star linebacker Tyrone Banks have tweeted congratulatory messages hinting at a possible “Bayou Brotherhood” movement.
Trey Lewis Jr. himself expressed interest in bringing others with him.
“I want to win a Natty,” Lewis said. “And I want to win it with dogs. I’m already recruiting. Y’all know who you are.”
That kind of leadership — both on the field and on the trail — is what Kelly has been searching for. The Tigers are now trending for several other top-50 players, including five-star safety Dylan Rawlins and top offensive tackle Brandon Mercer.
WHY LSU WON
Many factors played into Lewis Jr.’s decision, but relationships stood above the rest.
“Coach Kelly was honest, straightforward, and treated me like a young man — not a commodity,” Lewis said. “Coach Baker showed me exactly how they’d use me. It wasn’t about hype, it was about fit.”
In a recruiting age defined by NIL promises and flash, LSU’s approach with Lewis was surprisingly traditional. The school leaned heavily on development, NFL pipeline, and culture. Former Tigers like Danielle Hunter, Devin White, and B.J. Ojulari all reached out during the process.
Ray Lewis himself was reportedly hands-off, wanting his son to make his own decision.
“This is Trey’s life, Trey’s path,” the elder Lewis said in a statement. “I’m proud of him — not because he chose LSU, but because he chose purpose over pressure.”
IMPACT ON THE SEC LANDSCAPE
With Lewis Jr. headed to Death Valley, the SEC has a new monster coming off the edge — and the balance of power could be shifting ever so slightly.
Alabama and Georgia, who had long felt confident in their chances with Lewis, will now have to game-plan against him. And with LSU’s offense under Joe Sloan continuing to evolve, the defense finally has a true game-wrecker to match.
“This gives LSU an identity on defense they’ve been missing since the 2019 championship year,” said SEC Network’s Roman Harper. “If you’re a quarterback in the SEC West, you better get ready.”
Even Florida and Texas A&M, who hoped to remain in the mix until the end, are now back to the drawing board.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TREY LEWIS JR.
Lewis Jr. plans to enroll early at LSU in January 2026. Between now and then, he’ll play in the Under Armour All-America Game and is expected to compete for the No. 1 overall spot in the final national player rankings.
His goals at LSU are already clearly defined.
“I want to be All-American, win a championship, and go No. 1 in the Draft,” Lewis said. “That’s the dream — and I’m gonna work like hell to get there.”
LSU strength and conditioning coach Jake Flint has already laid out a personalized plan for Lewis’ development, focusing on refining his pass-rush technique, increasing core explosiveness, and preparing for the rigors of SEC trench play.
“He’s got the physical tools,” said Flint. “Now it’s about sharpening the blade.”
A MESSAGE TO TIGER NATION
As Trey Lewis Jr. wrapped up his commitment speech, he turned to the camera with a confident smile.
“To the fans in Baton Rouge — I’m coming,” he said. “Geaux Tigers.”
With that, the newest Bayou superstar set the tone not only for LSU’s recruiting class but potentially for the next era of Tigers football.