Brian Kelly and LSU solve a big need for their future with latest win on the recruiting trail

The LSU Tigers have been superstars in the transfer portal so far to finish 2024, but they haven't forgotten about the value in high school recruiting, either. They just landed a notable piece for their defensive class in 2026.  LSU lands big-time DL recruit in 2026 Four-Star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy (2026) has Committed to […]

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The LSU Tigers have been superstars in the transfer portal so far to finish 2024, but they haven't forgotten about the value in high school recruiting, either. They just landed a notable piece for their defensive class in 2026. 

LSU lands big-time DL recruit in 2026

Four-Star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy (2026) has Committed to LSU, according to On3Sports. He chose the Tigers over Tennessee, USC, and Alabama. 

“It was tough. I like USC a lot and Tennessee is a great school too, but LSU is the school for me. The program has great history, the team has great coaches and they made me feel like a priority.” — McCoy via On3Sports

He also mentioned that he's "locked in" with this decision. McCoy is a massive defender at 6'7. He's from Mississippi but never had strong ties on the recruiting trail with Ole Miss or Mississippi State. LSU began recruiting McCoy in eighth grade.

McCoy ranks as the No. 12 defensive end in the class as of now, according to Rivals. His massive size and potential could help him climb those rankings by the end of the next HS season. 

The Tigers currently have six commits in the 2026 class as a whole, and five of them are considered "blue-chip" recruits for head coach Brian Kelly's team.

Brian Kelly and LSU solve a big need for their future with latest win on the recruiting trail. Harold Perkins announced that he will return in 2025, but many of the starters along their DL in 2024 were veterans. 

In the 2025 HS class, the Tigers took just one edge rusher. That would be Damien Shanklin. They've been very active in the portal at the position, but targeting even more edge rush talent in 2026 makes a ton of sense for Kelly's staff.

Going forward, LSU will certainly have to garner more talent up front on defense, but McCoy is a key piece to the puzzle as we look down the road for LSU. 

Related Articles