One of the biggest keys to success for new LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin will be to keep elite high school talent from leaving the state.

And one of the first in-state priorities for Kiffin is 2027 five-star offensive lineman Albert Simien.

Simien, 6-4, 280 pounds from Lake Charles, LA, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in the nation and the No. 3 player in the state of Louisiana. He’s also rated as the No. 22 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class.

LSU is behind a couple of other programs in the battle for Albert Simien

LSU is behind the Texas A&M Aggies and the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the battle for Simien, which means Kiffin and the Tigers have some work to do.

“The main thing for me when I commit is feeling comfortable,” said Simien to On3 this week. “I want to be developed. I want to major in psychology, so that matters a lot. NIL will take care of itself. Not all money is good money. My plan is to earn money and be developed for the NFL or with my degree.”

“LSU is behind the other two a little because of the coaching change, but I’m working to learn more about them,” added Simien. “They’re probably recruiting me the hardest the last few weeks. Coach Kiffin brings a new style and personality, and it’s new energy.”

Interestingly, Simien also told On3 that LSU wasn’t his “dream school” growing up, mostly because he wasn’t a big football fan as a kid.

Simien could be committing as soon as February, though even if that’s the case, this battle won’t be over until the early signing period begins next December.

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