Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have secured a major win on the recruiting trail, landing elite Mississippi offensive lineman Emanuel Tucker. The New Albany (Miss.) standout announced his commitment to LSU on Thursday via social media, choosing the Tigers over in-state rival Ole Miss.
Tucker, ranked as the top offensive lineman in Mississippi and a Top-15 offensive tackle nationally, had previously decommitted from Mississippi State before reopening his recruitment. His decision ultimately came down to LSU and Ole Miss, with the Tigers coming out on top after a successful official visit to Baton Rouge last weekend, where the staff made a strong impression.
The 6-foot-7, 285-pound lineman becomes the third offensive line commitment for LSU in the 2026 cycle under position coach Brad Davis, who continues to excel in building the unit. Tucker joins Louisiana natives Jalan Chapman (three-star) and Brysten Martinez (four-star) in the class.
Who’s in LSU’s 2026 recruiting class so far?
Let me know if you’d like a detailed list of LSU’s current 2026 commits!
The Quick Hits: LSU’s 2026 Commitments [10]:
Tristen Keys: No. 1 WR in America
Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers made a major splash on the recruiting trail by landing five-star wide receiver Dekeltric Keys, the No. 1 wideout in the 2026 class. Keys made his commitment public in March, giving LSU a dynamic, game-changing weapon on the perimeter.
The Hattiesburg (Miss.) standout is coming off a dominant junior season, where he helped lead his team to a 13-1 record in 2024. He racked up 58 catches for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns, solidifying his status as the nation’s top receiver and one of the premier overall prospects in the country.
Another elite talent already locked into LSU’s 2026 class is Richard Anderson, the No. 2-ranked defensive lineman nationally and the No. 1 overall player in Louisiana. Anderson committed to the Tigers in 2024 and remains a centerpiece of the class.
The Edna Karr standout powered his team to a state championship in 2024 and earned 5A All-State honors with an explosive season: 44 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 18 QB hurries, two interceptions, and a touchdown. His performance only reaffirmed his standing as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
Summary of LSU’s 2026 Headliners So Far:
- Dekeltric Keys: No. 1 WR in the nation, 5-star
- Richard Anderson: No. 2 DL nationally, No. 1 overall in Louisiana
- Emanuel Tucker: No. 1 OL in Mississippi, Top-15 OT nationally
Let me know if you’d like a full list of all 2026 LSU commits so far.
Aiden Hall: No. 4 Safety in America
Hall committed to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers during his junior season, joining his Edna Karr teammate Richard Anderson in the Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class.
A dynamic and versatile defensive back, Hall put together an outstanding junior campaign. He totaled 38 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and four sacks, while also showcasing his playmaking ability with four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, four blocked punts, and two fumble recoveries.
Recognized as one of the top safeties in the country, Hall is a high-priority prospect nationally. LSU will need to stay aggressive to hold onto his commitment through the finish line.
He’s currently rated as the No. 4 overall player in Louisiana and a Top-75 prospect in the nation.
Jabari Mack: No. 1 WR in Louisiana
Mack, the top-ranked wide receiver in Louisiana and a Top-10 receiver nationally, has committed to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers.
LSU beat out elite programs such as Texas, Ohio State, and Texas A&M to land the coveted 6-foot-1, 200-pound playmaker, who remains one of the most highly recruited prospects in the country.
His commitment gives the Tigers another major weapon in an already loaded 2026 class.
Havon Finney Jr. – Top-10 CB Nationally
Sierra Canyon (Calif.) standout cornerback Havon Finney Jr. committed to LSU in April, choosing the Tigers over USC. A Top-10 cornerback in the country, Finney recently reclassified into the 2026 class and will skip his junior season.
He’s coming off an impressive sophomore campaign, totaling 37 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and four interceptions. Now standing 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, Finney made his move early, committing to LSU before beginning his senior year.
Dylan Purter – No. 2 DB in Alabama
One of the top defensive backs in Alabama, Dylan Purter picked LSU over top programs including Alabama, Florida, and Arkansas.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound defender brings valuable versatility, capable of playing both cornerback and safety. He’s considered a Top-10 overall player in Alabama and a major win for Brian Kelly’s staff.
Brysten Martinez – 4-Star OT
Brysten Martinez, a four-star offensive tackle from East Ascension (La.), committed to LSU in February.
Ranked as the No. 8 offensive tackle in the nation and a Top-75 overall player in the 2026 cycle, Martinez chose the Tigers over SEC heavyweights like Alabama, Texas A&M, and Georgia. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder is also rated as the No. 6 overall prospect in Louisiana.
Kenny Darby – 4-Star WR
A 5A All-State selection, wide receiver Kenny Darby exploded in 2024 with 100 receptions for 1,764 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Darby, a speedy and twitchy pass-catcher, committed to LSU shortly after receiving an offer. He enters his senior year as the No. 2 wide receiver in Louisiana and the state’s No. 7 overall player.
Jalan Chapman – 3-Star OL
New Orleans (La.) native Jalan Chapman, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman, committed to LSU last summer over offers from Alabama, USC, Georgia, and Tennessee.
After gaining national recognition as a sophomore at Warren Easton High, Chapman remains a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive line haul in 2026.
