LSU in danger of losing top 2026 commit to recruiting powerhouse, and Brian Kelly needs to step up
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Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated May 27, 2025 1:53 PM ET
The LSU Tigers have been a recruiting juggernaut when it comes to the 2026 class. They currently rank number one in the nation in the class with nine commits, including two five-star recruits and five ranked in the top 100.
One of those is wide receiver Tristen Keys. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi product is the top player at his position, and the fourth overall recruit in the nation. The Tigers have three wide receivers already committed in the class, which shows a major focus on fortifying the position.
Despite head coach Brian Kelly having been on a recruting heater, the Tigers have one of their own recruits still making visits, as Keys is set to make a visit to Miami.
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 27, 2025
Keys has been committed to the Tigers since March 19th, but taking an official visit to Miami at this point raises an eyebrow, especially since he took an unofficial visit to Coral Gables on April 12th.
Kelly getting Keys to commit was a huge deal, especially after last year's debacle with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood flipping to Michigan late in the process for the 2025 class.
His scouting report from On3 Sports' Charles Power highlights a potential superstar at wide receiver.
Contested catch maven who looks like the top wide receiver prospect early in the 2026 cycle. Has good size, measuring at ver 6-foot-2, 185 pounds with good length as a junior. Turned in a strong junior campaign, catching 58 passes for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading his team to a deep playoff run. Excels in contested catch situations, elevating to come down with acrobatic grabs. Hangs in the air and is able to contort his body into favorable positions. Displays a huge catch radius, high-pointing the football and coming down with one-handed grabs. High-level ball tracker with the ability to locate and corral the ball over his shoulder. Shows some route-running nuance. Has some shake off the line of scrimmage and is able to stack corners with his releases. Runs hard after the catch. Able to attack all areas of the field with his well-rounded skill set. Made some huge plays in big contests as a junior.
Also a star on the 7-on-7 circuit before his junior season. Good marks in track and field in the high jump (6-0 feet) and triple jump (43-2 feet). Also plays basketball. Can continue improving his top-end speed.
The Tigers need to take a step to keep Keys, including hosting him on his first official visit.
