Not only is this Saturday's SEC opener against Florida a massive game on the gridiron for the LSU Tigers, but it's also shaping up to be a big weekend on the recruiting trail for Brian Kelly and his staff. According to Rivals' Steve Wiltfong, LSU is set to host a number of key recruits at Tiger Stadium on Saturday night.
LSU hosting three of the top QBs in the 2027 class
Three quarterback recruits are slated to be in Baton Rouge when the Tigers take the field against the Gators. Among them are five-star Elijah Haven, four-star Colton Nussmeier, and four-star Peyton Houston. Per Rivals Industry, Haven is rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the country for the 2027 class. He is a local product, hailing from The Dunham School in Baton Rouge. That home field advantage figures to bode well for Kelly and his staff, although Alabama appears to be heavily involved.
Colton Nussmeier, the younger brother of Garrett, is a four-star prospect from Flower Mound, TX. Experts predict that Colton will follow in his brother's footsteps and attend LSU, but Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are also in the mix.
Houston is the No. 11 QB in the 2027 class, and is set to make his decision on Monday. Houston was in Norman for Oklahoma's win over Michigan this past weekend, and as it stands, the Sooners appear to be the frontrunners. Could a big weekend in Baton Rouge be enough to get Houston to LSU?
LSU aiming to flip 2026 recruits
LSU currently has the No. 11-ranked 2026 recruiting class according to 247Sports, but the Tigers are hoping to move up in that ranking this weekend. The class is headlined by the nation's No. 2 overall prospect and top defensive lineman Lamar Brown as well as five-star EDGE Trenton Henderson.
The Tigers continue to keep their foot on the gas for KJ Edwards, the nation's No. 3 running back for the 2026 class and a Texas A&M commit. Edwards has remained in contact with LSU over the last few months, and had an official visit to LSU back in June.
The nation’s No. 2 offensive tackle and No. 6 overall prospect Immanuel Iheanacho is committed to Oregon, but a player LSU continues to pursue. Wiltfong notes that LSU is the biggest threat to flip Iheanacho away from Dan Lanning and the Ducks at this point in time.
LSU eyes key players in 2027 class
LSU is still searching for its first commitment for the 2027 class. The top-rated prospect that will be in Baton Rouge this weekend is Jalen Brewster. He is the nation’s No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 6 overall player in the 2027 class. Getting a commitment from Brewster would be a great start for Kelly and his staff as they begin building the 2027 recruiting class.
A pair of top in-state recruits will be at Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, as both Ahmad Hudson and Easton Royal will be on campus. Hudson is the top-ranked tight end in the 2027 class, while Royal is ranked as the No. 2 receiver in the class. Rivals' Sam Spiegelman has logged an expert prediction for LSU to land Hudson, putting the Tigers in the driver's seat right now.
All in all, this weekend will be a big one in Baton Rouge. Not only can the Tigers move to 3-0 and start SEC play 1-0 with a win over Florida, but Kelly can continue shaping his future recruiting classes by putting on an impressive showing for some of the nation's top recruits.