LSU football gets commitment from Notre Dame transfer defender

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LSU football is adding a defensive end to its 2026 roster. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, ex-Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka committed to LSU after a court ruling earlier this week deemed him eligible.

LSU is just over two weeks away from kicking off the 2026 season vs. Clemson in Tiger Stadium. Adding a player this late in the offseason is rare, but in this era of college sports, it's hardly a surprise.

For LSU, Tuihalamaka fills an immediate need. The Tigers lacked depth at defensive end after Gabriel Reliford tore his ACL in the spring. LSU feels confident in Jordan Ross and Princewill Umanmielen as the starters, but there were questions down the depth chart. Tuihalamaka gives LSU another option with major college football experience.

Tuihalamaka played four years at Notre Dame, playing 971 defensive snaps in that span. Per PFF, Tuihalamaka racked up 51 pressures, 25 stops, and four sacks while in South Bend.

Tuihalamaka benefited from a temporary restraining order issued by a Louisiana judge on Wednesday. Unlike some other players fighting for an extra year of eligibility, Tuihalamaka did not sign an NFL contract.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football gets commitment from Notre Dame transfer defender

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