How LSU Football's 2021 Signing Class has fared entering their Senior Season

The Three Stars

Peyton Todd - Punter

The LSU Football team landed the Nation's top punting recruit when they landed a commitment from Peyton Todd. Thus far, Todd has only served as the backup punter and a holder on field goal kicks appearing in two games as a holder. Heading into 2024, Todd was slated to be the starting punter but, in-consistency this Spring led the Tigers to land Louisiana Tech transfer Blake Ochsendorf who will compete for the starting job.

Jalen Shead - Tight End

The LSU Football team landed three-star Jalen Shead out of Mississippi as the Nation's 63rd-ranked tight end. The tight end, however, left LSU prior to the start of his freshman season and hasn't played anywhere since.

Navonteque Strong - Linebacker

After joining LSU from Mississippi Gulf Coast, Navonteque Strong played one season recording 17 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack in eight games played. After his lone season at LSU, Strong entered the transfer portal.

Kimo Makaneole - Guard

Through his first three seasons in Baton Rouge, Makaneole has played just 9 games totaling 67 snaps rotating in as a reserve. it's hard to envision Makaneole getting a ton of snaps in 2024 but, since he took a redshirt year, we may see Makaneole take a starting role in 2025 after players like Will Campbell, Emery Jones Jr, Miles Frazier, and Garrett Dellinger depart.

Jack Bech - Wide Receiver

As a True Freshman, Jack Bech was impressive recording a team-leading 43 catches and ranked third on the team with 489 receiving yards. The emergence of Malik Nabers saw Bech take a step back recording just 16 catches and 200 yards. After two season, in Baton Rouge, Bech transferred to TCU where he missed time this season with injury.

The Verdict: Lots of early promise but, a lack of results

The major storyline when it comes to the 2021 LSU Signing class will be that early on this class showed loads of promise however, many of the pieces haven't taken the next step as Brian Kelly would've hoped. This class did produce stars like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas but, the misses will stand out the most as the defense has felt undermanned the past few seasons. Depending on how players like Garrett Nussmeier, Sai'vion Jones, and Chris Hilton develop we may view this class very differently but, for now, this class feels underwhelming.