How does a school like LSU build a reputation like it has for developing wide receivers? While the aspect of developing the players is most important, the first step is getting the wide receivers on campus through recruiting. Over the years, LSU has landed elite receiver after elite receiver which has helped LSU develop its reputation for producing stars.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle, LSU is leveraging its reputation with 3 wide receivers already committed to the Tigers while landing in the finalists group for several more. The Tigers continue to remain in contention for some of the best receivers in the class and only continue to make progress with each target.
Elite WR Calvin Russell names LSU 1 of 8 finalists
On Thursday, elite WR recruit Calvin Russell released his final 8 schools naming the LSU Tigers one of his finalists while also setting a July 5th commitment date.
Five-star receiver Calvin Russell just let me know that he will announce his college commitment on July 5.
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) May 29, 2025
Miami, Oregon, Michigan, Florida State, Florida, LSU, North Carolina, and Syracuse are the finalists per @Hayesfawcett3.
🔗https://t.co/aORWjWRLBR @GabyUrrutia247… pic.twitter.com/cmYL9Pwztb
According to On3's Industry Recruiting Rankings, Calvin Russell is the 33rd ranked recruit in the class, the 4th ranked wide receiver, and the 2nd ranked player out of Florida.
The difficulty for the LSU Football team will be recruiting Russell with 3 wide receivers already committed to the Tigers. All 3 In-State schools are in Russell's finalist group and the other schools as well can all make a pitch that Russell isn't the top receiver in LSU's class as the Tigers hold a commitment from the Nation's top Wide Receiver Tristen Keys. As LSU commit Kenny Darby visits Alabama, the Tigers could end up needing to land another receiver which does keep a player like Russell on LSU's radar.
The LSU Football team does have a chance with Cavin Russell starting with the fact that he's making his way to campus for an official visit this weekend. Florida already has Russell on campus for an official visit while he'll also take visits to Florida State and Miami.
Landing Russell would be another massive addition for LSU in this recruiting class giving the Tigers a pair of Top 5 WRs while Jabari Mack ranks in the Top 10. If the Tigers can have another great weekend hosting Calvin Russell, the Tigers could find themselves as one of the teams on the short list to land Russell this Summer.