LSU Football Surging for Ex-Notre Dame Fighting Irish Commit Amid Lane Kiffin Pursuit

Mobile (Ala.) Williamson four-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin is back on the market after reopening his recruitment process last month with multiple powerhouse programs in pursuit.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Mobile (Ala.) Williamson four-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin, a Top-15 linebacker in America, has ascended into one of the top prospects in the 2027 Recruiting Cycle with schools from coast-to-coast battling for his commitment after backing off of a pledge to Notre Dame in January. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder has earned scholarships from the likes of the LSU Tigers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Florida State Seminoles and Auburn Tigers, among several others, with the Georgia Bulldogs recently getting in on the action. Now, after three consecutive strong seasons on the high school scene, McGaskin has piqued the interest of multiple programs, including Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers.

Why it matters

McGaskin is a highly sought-after linebacker prospect who has decommitted from Notre Dame, opening up his recruitment to several top programs across the country. His decision will have a significant impact on the 2027 recruiting cycle, as landing a player of his caliber could give a major boost to the program that secures his commitment.

The details

Across his true freshman season in 2023, McGaskin logged 142 tackles with 13 stops for loss and two forced fumbles where he earned All-State honors. In his sophomore campaign, he once again surpassed the century mark with 130 total tackles, including 21 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. McGaskin's defensive coordinator praised his quick diagnosis of plays and first step, which allow him to make plays in the backfield consistently.

  • McGaskin reopened his recruitment in January 2026.
  • McGaskin will take an official visit to LSU on June 19-21, 2026.

The players

Ellis McGaskin

A four-star linebacker from Mobile (Ala.) Williamson, ranked as a Top-15 linebacker in America for the 2027 recruiting cycle.

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers, who is leading the charge to land the highly coveted linebacker prospect.

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What they’re saying

“He diagnoses plays so fast that it allows him to play faster. He's amazing to watch sometimes. He's got a quick first step, so as soon as he sees the hole open up, it's a tackle for loss every time.”

— McGaskin's defensive coordinator (Rivals)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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