LSU Football Wide Receiver Commits; Louisiana Native Flips Commitment to ACC
The LSU Tigers’ football program has been active in securing top-tier wide receiver talent for the 2026 recruiting class. However, in a surprising turn of events, a Louisiana native has chosen to flip his commitment from LSU to an ACC program.
LSU’s Wide Receiver Commitments
Tristen Keys
One of the most notable additions to LSU’s 2026 recruiting class is Tristen Keys, a five-star wide receiver from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 180 pounds, Keys is considered the consensus number one wide receiver in the 2026 class. In his junior season, he recorded 58 receptions for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading Hattiesburg High School to a 13-1 record. Keys committed to LSU in March 2025, making him the highest-rated receiver to commit to the Tigers since Early Doucet in 2004.
Kenny Darby
Kenny Darby, a four-star wide receiver from Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana, also committed to LSU for the 2026 class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 178 pounds, Darby had an impressive junior season, recording 100 receptions for 1,754 yards and 24 touchdowns. He initially committed to Mississippi State in June 2024 but flipped to LSU in November 2024. Despite continued interest from programs like Alabama and Texas A&M, Darby reaffirmed his commitment to LSU, stating, “LSU suits me the best and the best in the boot stay in the boot.”
Jakai Anderson
Jakai Anderson, a four-star wide receiver from McDonough 35 High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, is another significant addition to LSU’s 2026 class. Anderson had an outstanding junior season, earning 4A All-State honors with 57 receptions for 972 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also contributed as a rusher and return specialist, showcasing his versatility. Anderson committed to LSU in June 2024, choosing the Tigers over offers from Penn State, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech.
In a surprising development, Parker Fulghum, a wide receiver from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, decommitted from LSU and committed to Clemson University in the ACC. Fulghum, who is the son of former LSU quarterback Josh Booty, had a standout senior season, recording 70 receptions for 1,418 yards and 18 touchdowns. He received a preferred walk-on offer from LSU but chose to accept a similar offer from Clemson. Fulghum’s decision was influenced by his desire to explore other opportunities and the appeal of Clemson’s program.
The flip of a Louisiana native to an out-of-state program like Clemson highlights the competitive nature of college football recruiting. While LSU has secured commitments from top-tier wide receiver prospects, the loss of Fulghum underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships with in-state recruits. The Tigers will need to continue to build and nurture these relationships to prevent future decommitments.
LSU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Kelly, has shown a commitment to developing wide receiver talent, as evidenced by the commitments of Keys, Darby, and Anderson. The program’s ability to attract top talent from both in-state and out-of-state will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge in the SEC and nationally.
LSU’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the program’s strongest in recent years, particularly in the wide receiver position. While the flip of Parker Fulghum to Clemson is a setback, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of college football recruiting. The Tigers’ ability to secure commitments from top-tier prospects like Keys, Darby, and Anderson demonstrates the program’s continued appeal and potential for success in the upcoming seasons.
