Lane Kiffin Targets Louisiana's Top Talent for LSU Football

LSU's new head coach makes recruiting the state's elite players a priority for the 2027 class.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers remain active on the recruiting trail this offseason, with a primary focus on landing Louisiana's top talent in the 2027 recruiting cycle. Kiffin has been visiting high schools across the state, building relationships and evaluating prospects, as the Tigers look to assemble a top-ranked class.

Why it matters

Recruiting the best in-state talent is crucial for LSU's long-term success. Kiffin's emphasis on Louisiana players shows his commitment to building the program around homegrown talent and keeping the state's elite players at home.

The details

Kiffin has identified three key targets in the 2027 class: Easton Royal, the No. 1 wide receiver in America from New Orleans; Jayden Miles, the top-ranked running back in Louisiana from Baton Rouge; and Ahmad Hudson, the No. 1 tight end in the country from Ruston. The Tigers are heavily pursuing these blue-chip prospects as they look to build a championship-caliber roster.

  • In late January, Kiffin visited high schools across Louisiana to connect with coaches and evaluate talent.
  • Easton Royal committed to Texas in November 2025, but LSU is now playing catch-up in his recruitment.
  • Jayden Miles visited LSU last weekend as the Tigers intensify their pursuit of the in-state running back.
  • Ahmad Hudson, a dominant two-sport star, has received offers from LSU, Texas, Nebraska, Alabama, and USC, among others.

The players

Easton Royal

A five-star wide receiver from New Orleans' Brother Martin High School, ranked as the No. 1 wideout in the 2027 class. He committed to Texas in November 2025 but LSU is now trying to flip him.

Jayden Miles

A four-star running back from Baton Rouge Catholic High School, ranked as the top RB in Louisiana for 2027. He recently visited LSU as the Tigers make him a priority target.

Ahmad Hudson

A dominant dual-sport athlete from Ruston, ranked as the No. 1 tight end in America for 2027. He has received offers from LSU, Texas, Nebraska, Alabama, and USC, among others.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The high schools here, it's been great going to them and receiving the feedback. I've always enjoyed, over time, coming here and recruiting. I used to always say it's like: They love football. Everybody says they love football but the high school coaches here and the people in school, they love football.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, LSU Tigers (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Kiffin and the LSU staff will continue their aggressive pursuit of Louisiana's top talent, hoping to flip Easton Royal from Texas and secure commitments from Jayden Miles and Ahmad Hudson.

The takeaway

Kiffin's focus on recruiting the best players from within Louisiana's borders shows his commitment to building the Tigers into a national powerhouse by keeping the state's elite talent at home. If he can land commitments from Royal, Miles, and Hudson, LSU will have a foundation for a potentially dominant 2027 class.