LSU football: Good news and bad news on the recruiting trail this weekend
By John Fye
The 2024 LSU football recruiting class is holding firm at No. 7 in the composite industry rankings. However, Brian Kelly has the opportunity to jump his class into the top five with one more significant gain ahead of national signing day on February 7.
The good news
LSU football is now locked in a 50/50 battle with Texas A&M for five-star ATH Terry Bussey’s commitment. On Wednesday, the Timpson (Tex.) standout was in Baton Rouge and departed with favorable comments regarding his official visit.
“It was a priority to get back [to Baton Rouge] one last time before signing day. It was a really good visit, and I’m glad I came out here,” Bussey told On3.
New: 5-star Terry Bussey - the No. 1 athlete in the 2024 class - is currently on #LSU's campus for a visit.
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) January 31, 2024
Bussey committed to TAMU in September, but he didn't sign in December.
With Signing Day one week away, the Tigers are making a final push.
More: https://t.co/xoplrA796c pic.twitter.com/EaJAYsb7Tk
The five-star-plus athlete met with Kelly and the new LSU defensive staff, including secondary coach Corey Raymond.
“We’ve been talking for a couple weeks,” Bussey said of Raymond. “…I’ve talked to him a couple times. Overall, building a relationship. He’s a great coach. He’s got a lot of tools and tricks he does.”
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound recruit would be a massive gain for the 2024 LSU football class featuring five-star prospects Dominick McKinley and Trey’Dez Green. Bussey committed to Texas A&M in late September. However, he reopened his recruiting after the Aggies dismissed Jimbo Fisher.
The bad news
On Friday, three-star cornerback Jaylen Bell de-committed from the 2025 LSU football recruiting class.
The Loganville (Ga.) product did not provide a specific reason for his change of heart aside from citing “God’s plan.” He was committed to LSU circa November 2022.
Proverbs 3:5-6 #GodsPlan pic.twitter.com/P3ga42SACv
— Jaylen Hollywood Bell (@4problem_) February 2, 2024
It is common for recruits who commit to programs very early to reopen the recruiting process before their senior year of high school. On3 currently lists South Carolina as the favorite to win Bell’s commitment at 34.9% odds. Auburn isn’t far behind at 16%.
Bell is the 55th-ranked cornerback in the country and the 50th overall player in Georgia.
Despite Bell’s departure, the 2025 LSU football recruiting class remains strong with commitments from five-star prospects Bryce Underwood, Dakorien Moore, and Harlem Berry.
Next. Story Link. Top 2025 defensive recruit has strong words following Baton Rouge trip. dark
Moore is scheduled to make an official visit to Oregon on Saturday, but I expect LSU to remain in a firm position to retain his utmost interest.