LSU loses first commitment since Brian Kelly was fired

Two weeks after LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly, DeAnthony Lafayette became the program’s first commitment to reopen his recruiting process.

Lafayette, a Florida native, committed to the Tigers on July 10.

Lafayette’s recruitment has been spearheaded by LSU defensive ends and pass rushers coach Kevin Peoples. With the uncertainty surrounding an LSU coaching staff led by interim head coach Frank Wilson, the unknowns around the program during a transition period between head coaches pushed Lafayette to reopen his recruitment and explore his other options ahead of the Early Signing Period next month.

Orlando (Fla.) Lake Nona four-star EDGE DeAnthony Lafayette has decommitted from LSU.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder out of Lake Nona High in Orlando made an official visit to Miami prior to committing to LSU. He also made visits to Oklahoma and Boston College, though a push from the in-state Hurricanes across Lafayette’s senior season makes Miami the likely team to beat moving forward.

Lafayette is ranked as the No. 367 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 41 EDGE and No. 52 prospect in Florida.

Lafayette was part of an impressive defensive line haul in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers have a commitment from another Sunshine State defensive end in Trenton Henderson, who is ranked as the No. 37 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, regardless of position.

Then there’s the 1-2 punch of Louisiana defensive lineman who also rank among the best recruits in America: 5-star Lamar Brown and 4-star Richard Anderson. Brown, a Baton Rouge native, is ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the country. Anderson, a dominant defensive tackle out of Edna Karr in New Orleans, is ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman on the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Toss in Georgia 4-star Deuce Geralds, and LSU has four commitments on the defensive line who rank as Top 100 prospects. Acadiana (La.) 3-star defensive tackle Darryus McKinley remains committed to LSU, as well – bringing the total number of defensive line commits to five.

LSU has 16 commitments in the 2026 recruiting class as the Early Signing Period approaches. The three-day window for high school recruits to sign with a college team runs from December 3-5. The second high school signing period opens on the first Wednesday in February.