LSU Football Recruiting: 5 prospects Lane Kiffin can't afford to miss

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Lane Kiffin's first Early Signing Period with LSU football is over. The Tigers finished on a high note last Friday, officially signing five-star Lamar Brown along with four-star defensive tackle Deuce Geralds and four-star defensive end Trenton Henderson.

Despite the name "Early Signing Period," most major programs have nearly finalized their 2026 recruiting classes. Not many prospects remain on the board for traditional signing day.

LSU's class ranks No. 11 in the country, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. The Tigers have 14 commits, including two five-stars. Kiffin and crew did a good job holding the class together through the coaching transition.

Now, recruiting staffers will turn their attention to next year's class. LSU will look to make a statement in what will be Kiffin's first full cycle recruiting at LSU. Its another loaded year within in the state of Louisiana, giving LSU a chance to contend for the No. 1 overall class.

Let's look at five prospects LSU can't miss in 2027.

1. Five-star QB Elijah Haven

LSU already has a QB committed with Peyton Houston pledged to the Tigers, but LSU has a five-star QB in its own backyard. According to 247Sports and ESPN, Haven is the top-ranked quarterback in the class. LSU lost momentum in Haven's recruitment over recent months, but with a new staff, LSU could begin to pick up steam again.

Alabama, Florida, and Penn State were making a run at Haven earlier this year. Like LSU, Florida and Penn State both underwent head coaching changes. The stability at Alabama could make the Tide the team to beat for Haven. As is the case with any Louisiana prospect, it's not over until it's over.

2. Five-star DE Zyron Forstall

Forstall was a New Orleans product before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. For our purposes, we'll count Forstall as a Louisiana recruit. LSU did a good job cleaning up with Louisiana five-stars in 2026, signing Brown and Richard Anderson.

According to ESPN, Forstall is the No. 4 overall-ranked player in the class and No. 1 defensive end. When LSU gets the chance to land a player of this caliber with deep ties to Louisiana, the Tigers can't afford to miss.

USC is the favorite, per the Rivals Prediction Machine, with a 45.4% chance to land the defensive end. But LSU will make a strong push.

3. Five-star WR Easton Royal

Royal, a wideout from New Orleans, recently committed to Texas. Rivals slots Royal as the No. 5-ranked player in the country and the No. 1-overall wide receiver in the class. Given LSU's history with wide receivers in Louisiana, it would hurt to see Royal leave the state.

Royals projects to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level. LSU doesn't want to watch Royal leave for Texas, only to come back and make plays vs. the Tigers in Death Valley. Lane Kiffin and staff will work hard to flip the five-star wide receiver over the next year.

4. Five-star TE Ahmad Hudson

Hudson is a five-star tight end from Ruston, LA. Per the Rivals Prediction Machine, LSU has a 96% chance of bringing Hudson to Baton Rouge.

247Sports ranks Hudson as a top-10 overall prospect. He's a dynamic athlete and ranks top-100 as a basketball recruit, too.

5. Five-star IOL Albert Simien

Rivals and ESPN rank Simien as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2026. Simien has made multiple visits to LSU, but the Rivals Prediction Machine doesn't have the Tigers in the driver's seat. Texas A&M is the current favorite with a 66% chance to land the five-star.

LSU is shaking up its offensive staff. That means the Tigers will make a change at offensive line coach. Kiffin is yet to officially announce who will lead the position, but landing Simien will be a top priority for the Tigers' new offensive line mentor.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU Football Recruiting: 5 prospects Lane Kiffin can't afford to miss

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