Lane Kiffin continues adding to his coaching staff and build his roster for his first season as LSU's head coach in 2026. A few weeks ago, Kiffin brought in South Carolina's Sterling Lucas to be LSU's defensive line coach, and he is hoping that move pays off in more ways than one.
LSU and Lane Kiffin already linked to dream WR who's entering the portal
Tiger fans were initially hopeful that Lucas would bring superstar pass rusher Dylan Stewart with him, but that dream died on December 23 when Stewart announced that he would be returning to South Carolina next season. However, Lucas' hiring at LSU has a chance to make a big impact for LSU on the recruiting trail.
According to Rivals, LSU is at the top of the list of favorites to land Jaiden Bryant, who is the No. 1 EDGE prospect in the country.
LSU is at the top for elite EDGE Jaiden Bryant, @SWiltfong_ reports🐯
— Rivals (@Rivals) December 30, 2025
Bryant is the No. 1 EDGE in the 2027 Rivals300.
Read: https://t.co/XVBAGyqXbS https://t.co/mHpxDLUWlG pic.twitter.com/zq3VEdRkW1
Lane Kiffin and Sterling Lucas hoping to land No. 1 EDGE recruit in the country
Hailing from Columbia, SC, the Gamecocks have had Bryant as a recruiting target for a while. The 5A Defensive Player of the Year in South Carolina is one of the most sought-after recruits in the country for the 2027 class, and Lucas moving from South Carolina to LSU has the Tigers as the top landing spot for Bryant according to Rivals.
Lucas served as Bryant's primary recruiter with the Gamecocks, and has an established relationship with Bryant. Kiffin and Tiger fans alike are hoping that translates to landing an LSU commitment from Bryant.
Lucas has emerged into one of the brightest defensive assistants in college football over the last few seasons. He's been with the Gamecocks for four seasons, serving as South Carolina's defensive ends/outside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator this past season. The Gamecock defense recorded 41 sacks under his leadership last season, which was tied for the 10th-most in all of college football.
In addition, Lucas has coached a pair of All-SEC EDGE players in each of the past two seasons. LSU fans are excited to see what Lucas can do on Kiffin's staff in 2026, and certainly hope his recruiting effort of Bryant prove to be successful.