As it stands, LSU has the 12th-best recruiting class in the country according to 247Sports. But as the program searches for a new head coach and awaits Lane Kiffin's decision, LSU's 2026 recruiting class ranking could change. Amid a coaching change, will commits stay true to LSU, or will some jump ship and look to play college football elsewhere?
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Thankfully, several top recruits have already publicly stated that they are still committed to LSU amid Brian Kelly's firing. However, some prospects are looking elsewhere. Among those commits looking for a new home is 4-star DL Darryus McKinley.
Darryus McKinley predicted to transfer to Ohio State
McKinley has been committed to LSU since August 1, but he has been in contact with several schools since then, with Ohio State standing out from the crowd. The Buckeyes extended him an offer on October 30, and the Lafayette native took an official visit to Columbus on October 15 when Ohio State hosted UCLA. Rivals' Steve Wiltfong and Sam Spiegelman have logged expert predictions for McKinley to officially flip from LSU to Ohio State.
Crystal Ball Alert!
— Ohio State Football Recruiting (@OhioStateFBChat) November 25, 2025
Ohio State has received their 1st and 2nd crystal ball to flip Darryus McKinley from LSU.
Position: DL
Class: 2026
Ranking: 3 Star
Steve Wiltfong and Sam Spiegelman put their predictions in that they expect that he'll commit to OSU - https://t.co/CBbSGl8zy6 pic.twitter.com/jt50vzko3l
McKinley is a 6'3" 270-pound defensive lineman who is ranked by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 19 player in Louisiana and the No. 69 defensive lineman prospect in the country. He initially chose LSU over the likes of Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and Texas, among others.
He is the brother of former 5-star recruit Dominick McKinley, who is a sophomore defensive lineman for the Tigers. The eldest McKinley has seen action in all 11 games for LSU this season, collecting nine tackles (three solo), two tackles for loss and a sack. He appeared in 10 games as a true freshman last season in 2024, racking up seven tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery.
LSU's 2026 recruiting class is highlighted by 5-star DT Lamar Brown. Brown leads an impressive recruiting class from a defensive standpoint, as 5-star DL Richard Anderson, 4-star EDGE Trenton Henderson, and 4-star DL Deuce Geralds are all highly-touted commits with big futures in Baton Rouge.