BREAKING: LSU beats out Alabama, Texas A&M for 4-star WR
LSU football has added to its string of recruiting victories by securing a major commitment for the 2026 class. The Tigers managed to keep talented four-star wide receiver from Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana, away from rival programs like Alabama and Texas A&M.
Darby, who had initially committed to Mississippi State in June 2024 before flipping to LSU in November, officially shut down his recruitment and reaffirmed his decision to join the Tigers. Despite Alabama’s recent visit to his high school campus and a strong push from Texas A&M, Darby told On3.com’s Hayes Fawcett on Saturday that LSU remains his choice.
“LSU suits me the best, and the best in the boot stay in the boot,” Darby said, emphasizing his loyalty to his home state.
This marks a significant local recruiting win for head coach Brian Kelly and LSU. Darby, one of Louisiana’s few four-star prospects in the 2026 class, solidifies the Tigers’ dominance in retaining top in-state talent.
LSU creating stout 2026 class vs. Alabama, Texas A&M
LSU head coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers are off to a strong start for 2025, while also building momentum for their 2026 recruiting class. The program has already secured six early commitments for the next cycle, with Kenny Darby becoming the sixth prospect to commit and joining an impressive group of talent heading to Baton Rouge.
Darby is one of four four-star prospects currently pledged to LSU. The group is headlined by defensive lineman Richard Anderson from Edna Carr High in New Orleans, the state’s No. 3 ranked player per 247Sports. Anderson’s high school teammate, four-star safety Aiden Hall, is also committed, adding to LSU’s haul. Additionally, towering 6-foot-6 defensive lineman JaReyian McCoy from Tupelo, Mississippi, rounds out the current quartet of four-star recruits.
LSU remains in contention for Louisiana’s top overall prospect for 2026, Lamar Brown. The Baton Rouge native from University Lab High, ranked as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the class, stands at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds.
According to 247Sports, Brown is currently “warm” on LSU, leaving the door open for Kelly and his staff to secure another marquee in-state commitment.