LSU Tigers: What to expect on National Signing Day

Today is National Signing Day, the final day for the LSU Tigers to add to their 2023 football roster. Thus, many fans wonder what to expect from Brian Kelly and company before the day ends.

Full disclosure, fans should not expect much, if anything, from the LSU Tigers today. Kelly has already assembled the 5th-ranked recruiting class for 2023, including 25 committed players. Such was made possible during the early National Signing Day on December 21. As it is now common practice, LSU consolidated their gains during the early signing period and secured most of their class. However, one notable Tigers 2023 target slated to sign today is defensive lineman Jamel Howard.

Jamel Howard is a 3-star recruit from Chicago that the LSU Tigers would love to add to their next wave. LSU offered Howard a scholarship on December 6 and hosted him for an official visit days later. Special teams coach Brian Polian has led the effort to bring Howard to Baton Rouge. Tigers defensive line coach Jamar Cain has also played an integral role, including visiting Howard on January 19. Unfortunately, the recruiting predictions on the 6-3, 230-pound defender are not leaning in LSU’s favor.

LSU Tigers recruiting insider Billy Embody believes Howard will commit to Wisconsin. Michigan remains a lukewarm possibility, followed by Miami, LSU, and Illinois. One might assume a 3-star DL would prefer to play for an SEC powerhouse team, but location matters. Howard was born and raised in the northern part of the country; thus, his interest in schools close to home is understandable. However, football recruits are often unpredictable. Some have admitted to not deciding until sitting at the table lined with caps representing school offers. Other recruits succumb to a program’s last-ditch efforts to secure their commitment.

Jamel Howard initially committed to Wisconsin before de-committing on November 17. According to Emboy, Luke Fickell and his new staff at Wisconsin worked diligently to get back in Howard’s favor. Either way, the LSU Tigers 2023 recruiting class is some of Brian Kelly’s best work as a collegiate head coach. In addition to their 25 high school recruits, the new Bayou Bengals feature 11 players via the transfer portal. Among LSU’s prized transfer players are former 5-star cornerback Denver Harris and 4-star wide receiver Aaron Anderson.

One can hope Jamel Howard woke up this morning and realized that he needs to call Baton Rouge.