LSU Tigers lose out on one of the best players in the country for the 2027 recruiting class, and it’s got to make Lane Kiffin mad

The LSU Tigers are still in good shape in their 2027 recruiting class despite losing out on Mitchell Turner.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin 2027 recruiting class
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin walks on field before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LSU lost out on four-star defensive lineman Mitchell Turner, the No. 3-ranked defensive lineman in the 2027 class, after the 6’3, 280-pound prospect committed to Ole Miss over Texas, Alabama, and the Tigers.

Turner is the No. 64 overall player in the country, the No. 6 player at his position, and the No. 2 player in the state of Mississippi, according to Rivals.

“All glory to God, the work continues,” Turner said upon his commitment.

Turner hails from Louisville, Mississippi, which likely played a significant role in his decision. Ole Miss hosted him for four official visits, compared to three for Alabama and just two for LSU. The Tigers finished third in the race, behind both Ole Miss and Alabama. When you look at the visit totals and the proximity factor, it becomes clear LSU probably never had a real shot at landing Turner.

LSU’s 2027 class still needs defensive line help

As it stands, LSU holds the 11th-best recruiting class in the country with a Rivals composite score of 90.84. The Tigers have one five-star commitment and nine four-stars. On the defensive front, they have edge rushers Chris Whitehead and KJ Green committed, but no interior defensive lineman in the fold. That makes losing Turner sting, even if the outcome was predictable.

The reality is, Turner was always trending toward a school in Mississippi. This feels less like a blown recruitment and more like a battle LSU was never positioned to win. That said, it doesn’t change the fact that the Tigers have a glaring hole along their defensive line in the 2027 class.

LSU’s coaching staff will need to pivot and identify other targets to fill that void. The talent is there across the board in this class, but losing a prospect of Turner’s caliber means the margin for error on the remaining defensive line board just got thinner.

Related Articles