Brian Kelly is on high alert as Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns and Mike Elko’s Texas A&M are confirmed as the elite LSU commits.

As the LSU Tigers gear up for a new season, head coach Brian Kelly finds himself facing heightened competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond. With the emergence of Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns and Mike Elko’s Texas A&M Aggies as powerhouse programs, Kelly’s ability to keep LSU competitive in the recruiting game has become more critical than ever. These two programs have been steadily improving, and their recruitment strategies, fueled by both excellent coaching and deep talent pools, have positioned them as major threats to LSU’s dominance.

For Kelly, the challenge now isn’t just about preparing his team for on-field success; it’s about out-recruiting, out-coaching, and, ultimately, out-performing these rising programs. With both Texas and Texas A&M looking to grab top recruits from the state of Louisiana, Brian Kelly must be on high alert as he watches these programs elevate their status to elite levels. Let’s dive deeper into the current landscape, where the competition between LSU, Texas, and Texas A&M is intensifying, and what Kelly’s strategy is to keep the Tigers at the top.

The Rise of Texas Under Steve Sarkisian

When Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, the program was at a crossroads. The Longhorns had long been one of the most storied programs in college football, but their recent years had been marked by inconsistency and underperformance. Sarkisian’s hiring, however, brought a renewed sense of optimism and energy to the program.

In his first two seasons, Sarkisian has worked tirelessly to change the culture in Austin, bringing in a highly talented recruiting class, emphasizing player development, and implementing a pro-style offense that is quickly becoming one of the most potent in the country. What makes Sarkisian’s Longhorns particularly dangerous to LSU is their ability to recruit at a national level, specifically targeting players from Louisiana, a state traditionally dominated by LSU.

Sarkisian has proven to be a master recruiter, and his ability to develop talent has helped Texas land some elite players in the past few years. With the success of his offense, particularly in the passing game, Texas has become an appealing destination for top recruits, especially those looking for a program that offers immediate playing time and a chance to showcase their talents on a national stage.

Texas’s renewed emphasis on recruiting in Louisiana, in particular, has raised alarms in Baton Rouge. For years, LSU has been able to keep the top players from Louisiana within its borders, but with Sarkisian’s offensive system and the Longhorns’ growing brand, LSU is now having to fight off a legitimate contender from within its recruiting pipeline.

Texas A&M’s Strong Push Under Mike Elko

While Steve Sarkisian and Texas have made significant strides, Mike Elko’s Texas A&M Aggies are also making waves in the SEC and recruiting circles. Elko, who became the head coach at A&M after Jimbo Fisher’s departure, has wasted no time in establishing a winning culture at College Station. His approach is characterized by a strong defense, physical play at the line of scrimmage, and a balanced offense that allows A&M to compete with the best in the SEC.

Texas A&M has always been a formidable program, but Elko’s leadership has brought an added sense of discipline and purpose to the team. One of Elko’s most impressive traits has been his ability to land top-tier recruits, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, and his focus on building depth at every position.

For LSU, the growing competition from Texas A&M, particularly in Louisiana, is a cause for concern. Elko has made it a priority to recruit elite defensive players, and with his aggressive style of play, the Aggies have become a landing spot for some of the best high school talent in the state. Elko’s defense-first approach is in direct contrast to Kelly’s offensive-minded philosophy, but the two programs are battling over many of the same recruits, particularly those from Louisiana who are drawn to A&M’s proximity to home.

Texas A&M’s recent success on the recruiting trail and its ability to retain top players from Louisiana makes them a legitimate threat to LSU’s recruiting dominance. With Elko’s presence and his defense-first mentality, Texas A&M is quickly establishing itself as a program to watch in the SEC West, and Kelly must adjust to this rising power.

Brian Kelly’s Response to the Growing Threat

In response to the growing threats from Texas and Texas A&M, Brian Kelly has already made significant changes to LSU’s recruiting strategy. Kelly is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to build relationships with recruits and their families. Under his leadership, LSU has emphasized developing a culture of success, and Kelly has worked hard to re-establish LSU as a destination for elite talent.

Kelly’s focus has been on recruiting players who fit his vision for the program—talented athletes who can execute his system on both sides of the ball. LSU has always had a reputation for producing elite defensive talent, and Kelly has worked to maintain that tradition. At the same time, he has also emphasized developing offensive skill players to match the high-octane offenses seen around the SEC, such as those at Alabama and Georgia.

One area where Kelly has made an immediate impact is in the recruiting of Louisiana’s top talent. While LSU has long been the top destination for Louisiana recruits, the growing presence of Texas and Texas A&M has forced Kelly to work even harder to keep players at home. Kelly has invested time and resources into building relationships with high school coaches and families throughout Louisiana, emphasizing the advantages of playing for LSU—whether it’s the chance to compete for championships, the school’s storied football history, or the opportunity to play in front of passionate home fans at Tiger Stadium.

Additionally, Kelly has worked hard to maintain LSU’s reputation as a pipeline to the NFL. The Tigers have produced more than their fair share of NFL talent over the years, and Kelly has been active in selling this legacy to recruits. By emphasizing LSU’s ability to develop players into professional prospects, Kelly is making a compelling case for why Louisiana’s best should remain in Baton Rouge.

Despite these efforts, Kelly knows that the competition is only going to get fiercer as Texas and Texas A&M continue to invest in their programs. Kelly’s strategy going forward will likely involve a combination of more aggressive recruitment in Louisiana and expanding LSU’s reach to other recruiting hotbeds across the country. He’ll also likely continue to build on LSU’s defensive prowess while adjusting to the modern demands of college football, particularly with his offensive approach.

What’s at Stake: The Future of LSU Football

As Brian Kelly navigates this increasingly competitive landscape, the stakes are higher than ever. With the rise of Texas and Texas A&M, Kelly must not only maintain LSU’s status as a recruiting juggernaut but also ensure that the team’s on-field product continues to perform at an elite level. The SEC is more competitive than ever, and with programs like Texas and Texas A&M emerging as recruiting and on-field powers, LSU must find a way to stay ahead of the curve.

The recruiting battles between LSU, Texas, and Texas A&M will likely define the future of the conference for years to come. As Kelly faces these rising programs, the competition to secure top-tier talent—particularly from Louisiana—will only intensify. Whether Kelly can continue to keep LSU at the top of the SEC recruiting rankings while out-performing his rivals on the field will be a key determinant of his long-term success at LSU.