Elite Receiver Narrows Focus to Eight Top Schools

LSU, Oregon, Michigan among programs battling for coveted Florida pass-catcher Julius Jones Jr.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star wide receiver Julius Jones Jr. has narrowed his focus to eight schools, with Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers firmly in the race for the coveted pass-catcher. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Florida native has earned scholarships from several top programs and is now down to LSU, Oregon, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Notre Dame, Florida State, and Miami.

Why it matters

Jones Jr. is a highly touted recruit, ranked as the No. 11 wide receiver in the 2027 class. His decision will have a significant impact on the recruiting landscape, as top programs across the country vie for his commitment. The battle for Jones Jr. highlights the intense competition for elite talent in college football.

The details

Jones Jr. had over 20 offers before trimming his list to eight schools. The legacy recruit's father played at Notre Dame, making the Fighting Irish the perceived favorite. However, Lane Kiffin and LSU have intensified their pursuit, as the Tigers look to land multiple elite wide receivers in the 2027 cycle. Jones Jr. is a dynamic playmaker, finishing his junior season with 53 receptions for 1,151 yards and 17 touchdowns.

  • Jones Jr. trimmed his list of over 20 offers to eight schools in February 2026.
  • Jones Jr. is expected to make his college decision in the coming months, ahead of his senior season.

The players

Julius Jones Jr.

A four-star wide receiver from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, ranked as the No. 11 receiver in the 2027 recruiting class.

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers, who have intensified their pursuit of Jones Jr. and other elite wide receivers in the 2027 cycle.

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who are viewed as the favorite to land Jones Jr. due to his family legacy at the school.

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What they’re saying

“Four-Star WR Julius Jones Jr. is down to 8 Schools, he tells me for @Rivals”

— Hayes Fawcett, Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

Jones Jr. is expected to make his college decision in the coming months, ahead of his senior season. The battle for his commitment will continue to intensify as top programs across the country vie for his services.

The takeaway

The recruitment of Julius Jones Jr. highlights the intense competition for elite talent in college football. Top programs like LSU, Oregon, and Michigan are all vying for the coveted wide receiver, underscoring the importance of landing difference-makers at the position in the modern game.