The landscape of college football recruiting just got a seismic shift, and it’s all coming from Baton Rouge. Lamar Brown, the top-ranked player in Louisiana, has officially committed to LSU football, choosing the Tigers over heavyweights like Texas A&M, Texas, and Miami. His announcement unfolded at the Pennington McKernan Gymnasium on Thursday afternoon, and you could feel the excitement ripple through the room.
Brown, a five-star defensive lineman in the 2026 class, is not just the highest-rated player at his position; he’s also ranked fifth overall in the nation according to the 247Sports composite rankings, while ESPN has him sitting atop their list as the No. 1 player in the country. That’s some serious clout!
During his commitment ceremony, Brown expressed heartfelt gratitude towards LSU head coach Brian Kelly for being the first to believe in him and extend an offer. “It always started off with coach Kelly,” he said. “Just the coaches here, playing for Baton Rouge, playing for the state of Louisiana, it meant a lot.” It’s clear that the draw of staying home and representing his state is etched deeply in his decision.
At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Brown is a physical specimen. While he has also played offensive line in high school, he has his sights firmly set on the defensive side as he continues his career. Analysts describe him as a stout and explosive athlete with the potential to make a significant impact on either side of the ball, not to mention his “legitimate high-round NFL Draft potential” as highlighted in a comprehensive scouting report from 247Sports.
But he’s not just a football star; Brown shines in track and field, too. Last season, he clinched the 2025 Louisiana 3A State Championship in discus with an impressive throw of 151 feet and 6 inches. He’s proven track-worthy as well, taking gold as a sophomore and securing silver as a freshman in 2023.
Brown’s commitment is a game-changer for LSU’s recruiting class, propelling them into the No. 7 spot nationally according to 247Sports. He becomes the second-highest-rated player to commit to Coach Kelly and his staff, just behind wide receiver Tristen Keys, who ranks No. 3 overall in the nation.
If LSU can keep both Brown and Keys in their fold, they’ll have locked in two of the top five prospects in the composite rankings, a feat not accomplished since 2011 when they brought in offensive lineman La’el Collins and defensive lineman Anthony Johnson.
Moreover, Brown is on track to become the first No. 1 player according to ESPN’s rankings to sign with the Tigers since the sensational running back Leonard Fournette in 2014. The future is indeed looking bright in Baton Rouge, and with talent like Brown, LSU’s football program is poised to make waves for years to come.
