SAD NEWS: LSU Dealt Unfortunate Recruiting News On Early Signing Day

On Early Signing Day, one of the most highly anticipated dates on the college football recruiting calendar, the LSU Tigers were dealt some unexpected and disappointing news. Despite an impressive season and a highly ranked recruiting class, LSU found themselves on the wrong end of some key flips, with top prospects backing out of their commitments. These losses have caused a ripple effect, leaving many in Baton Rouge to reevaluate the program’s recruiting strategy as the Tigers gear up for the 2024 season.

The Unforeseen Flips and Decommits

As the clock ticked down on Early Signing Day, LSU’s staff watched as a handful of recruits—players who had previously committed to the Tigers—flipped their decisions and signed with other schools. Among the most notable was 5-star defensive back, Jalen Johnson, who had been considered a cornerstone of LSU’s 2024 class. After months of committing to the Tigers, Johnson announced he would be signing with Alabama, a stinging blow to LSU’s defensive backfield recruitment.

Johnson’s decision to spurn LSU in favor of Alabama marked one of the first signs of trouble for the Tigers. The highly-rated defensive back had been a key target for LSU’s defensive coordinator, Matt House, whose strategy heavily relied on building a strong secondary for the upcoming seasons. Johnson’s departure not only weakens LSU’s recruiting class but also serves as a setback in the Tigers’ long-standing rivalry with Alabama.

Along with Johnson, a few other top recruits had a change of heart on Signing Day, leaving LSU fans concerned. Linebacker Malik Brown, a 4-star prospect, decommitted from LSU and chose to sign with Georgia, and wide receiver Kaden Perry flipped his commitment to Florida State, further depleting LSU’s once-promising offensive talent pool.

Why Did LSU Lose These Recruits?

The early flips and decommits have raised a number of questions about LSU’s recruiting strategy and how it stacks up against other schools. There are a few key reasons that may explain the unfortunate turn of events for the Tigers.

1. Competing Programs’ Influence:
The biggest factor in LSU’s recruiting struggles on Early Signing Day was the intense competition from other top-tier programs. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State are well-established in college football, and their coaches made sure to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding LSU. For many of the recruits who flipped, the chance to play for programs with long-standing success and recent championship pedigree proved to be a significant draw.

In particular, Alabama and Georgia have been perennial powerhouses in college football, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Programs like these can offer recruits a clear path to the NFL and championship contention, which is often a decisive factor in a high school player’s recruitment.

2. Coaching Staff Uncertainty:
There’s also the element of coaching staff instability at LSU, as the program underwent a few changes in the offseason. While head coach Brian Kelly has established himself as one of the top coaches in college football, the staff shifts—along with the team’s inconsistent performance in recent seasons—may have created some uncertainty among recruits. Stability in coaching staff is a major factor for prospects, and uncertainty can lead to second-guessing commitments.

3. The Impact of NIL:
Another critical factor impacting LSU’s recruiting class is the ever-growing role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college athletics. Some recruits may have been swayed by more lucrative NIL opportunities offered by other programs, particularly those with stronger financial backing or more robust NIL support systems. This has become a game-changing aspect of recruiting, and LSU may have lost out in some key instances where NIL deals were a primary factor in a recruit’s decision.

How LSU Can Recover from This Setback

Despite the unfortunate news on Early Signing Day, all is not lost for LSU. The Tigers still have a strong recruiting class overall, and there are opportunities for them to recover from these decommitments in the coming months.

1. Focus on Developing the Remaining Class:
While losing some key recruits is undoubtedly a setback, LSU still boasts a talented 2024 recruiting class that includes several 4-star and 5-star players. The Tigers should double down on developing these athletes and preparing them for immediate impact. Maintaining their relationship with the remaining commits will be crucial to avoiding further decommitments.

2. Reinforce Relationships with Key Targets:
LSU’s coaching staff must continue to build strong relationships with recruits, especially those who remain undecided or are on the verge of committing. The Tigers will need to lean into their culture of success and the personal development opportunities available to players who choose to play in Baton Rouge. Consistent communication, visits, and personalized recruiting efforts can go a long way in securing late commitments.

3. Adapt to the NIL Landscape:
In order to stay competitive in the current recruiting environment, LSU will need to adapt and strengthen its NIL offerings. By partnering with local businesses and increasing its support for athletes in this space, LSU can make itself more attractive to future recruits, particularly those who place heavy importance on NIL opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Although Early Signing Day didn’t go as planned for LSU, the Tigers still have a strong foundation moving forward. With plenty of time left in the recruiting cycle, LSU has an opportunity to pivot and secure the talent they need to remain competitive in the SEC. The Tigers have the resources, coaching staff, and fan support to turn things around and continue building one of the nation’s premier football programs. However, the 2024 recruiting cycle will require the Tigers to adjust to the evolving landscape of college football recruitment, and quickly.