Not “finally” as in some strange sigh of relief, but rather a complete surprise given how dominant the Tigers have been on the recruiting trail dating back to late last fall for the 2026 recruiting cycle.

However, this loss does come with a bit of a sting given that it was a Louisiana football recruit living in LSU’s backyard. Still, the Tigers are on pace for a top five or six recruiting class even after this off-field loss to the SEC rival Texas Longhorns.

Hayward Howard Jr., Four Star Cornerback
Hayward Howard is a fast rising four star defensive back recruit who plays for the high school football powerhouse Edna Karr program. LSU had seemingly been trending towards adding him into the fold here this spring given one of his teammates (Aiden Hall) is already committed to the Tigers, but in the end he chose the Texas Longhorns.

BREAKING: Four-Star CB Hayward Howard Jr. has Committed to Texas, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’3 180 CB from New Orleans, LA chose the Longhorns over LSU, Miami, & Florida State

“Don’t let your circumstance affect your hustle.”

Howard could have been the fourth defensive back commit to LSU for the 2026 recruiting class, but that’s likely exactly why he may have chosen to go elsewhere. Havon Finney, Aiden Hall, and Dylan Purter–three Top 200 consensus recruits in the 2026 class–have already committed to LSU. Hayward would have likely put the finishing touches on the class for the Tigers in the defensive backfield, but it seems he’s aiming for a clearer path to snaps seeing as he is the Longhorns first defensive back commit as of this writing in the 2026 class.

Losing an in-state talent may seem like a bad look on the surface, but the truth is that seven of the ten recruits already committed to LSU for next spring are from Louisiana. Six of them consensus Top 250 players. So yes, it may be a loss but LSU is still stacked.

Five star wide receiver Tristen Keys headlines the class (top five player in the nation). Richard Anderson is a 340-pound monster of a man who should be the face of the defense in the 2026 group (top forty player overall). Plus, LSU is still inside the “top five” options for over a dozen more recruits set to commit potentially here this summer.

There’s still plenty of time for Brian Kelly and his staff to bring in yet another incredibly talented recruiting class. Just let them cook.

The LSU Tigers and head coach Brian Kelly faced a disappointing setback in their efforts to secure a top Louisiana football recruit, losing out on a highly sought-after prospect who had been strongly considering LSU for months. Despite the loss in this critical recruiting battle, LSU remains in a strong position with a formidable 2026 recruiting class, showcasing their ability to attract talent from across the region and beyond. The recruitment landscape is often unpredictable, and missing out on a key local player is a blow, especially when the prospect was seen as a potential cornerstone for the future. However, LSU’s coaching staff and recruiting team have demonstrated resilience and strategic foresight, ensuring that their 2026 class is still among the most promising in the country. The Tigers have already secured commitments from several highly-rated recruits, including talented athletes on both sides of the ball, which bolsters their roster depth and future competitiveness. Coaches Kelly and his staff are widely respected for their recruiting acumen, and their focus remains on building a top-tier program that can compete at the national level. This setback may serve as motivation for LSU to continue their relentless pursuit of excellence, both on the field and in recruiting battles. With a stacked class projected to include multiple four- and five-star prospects, LSU’s future still looks extremely bright, and the program’s ability to rebound from setbacks like this underscores their resilience and strategic planning. The Tigers’ strong pipeline of talent, combined with Kelly’s proven recruiting track record, suggests that LSU will continue to be a formidable force in college football for years to come. Fans and analysts alike recognize that recruiting is a dynamic and competitive process, and while losing a top Louisiana recruit is a disappointment, LSU’s overall strength and depth position them well for sustained success. As the 2026 cycle continues, LSU will undoubtedly remain active and aggressive in pursuing the best talent available, reaffirming their commitment to returning to national prominence. Ultimately, while this particular battle was lost, LSU’s overall recruiting momentum remains intact, and their talented 2026 class provides a solid foundation for future success.