The No. 1 recruit in the 2026 recruiting class, according to ESPN’s rankings, is off the board.

The five-star defensive tackle Lamar Brown is committing to his home state school, LSU. 

“For the next three or four years, I will be committing to Louisiana State University.” Brown said as he put on the LSU cap on Thursday. “Go Tigers.”

LSU triumphed over its SEC competitors, Texas and Texas A&M, to secure the commitment of the 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle. ESPN sources revealed that Brown remained torn between LSU and Texas A&M until late Wednesday night.

Brown is from Baton Rouge, where the LSU campus is located. He’s now entering his senior season of football at University Lab High School. 

Brown is also a multi-sport athlete competing in both discus and shot put events in track and field. 

In his primary sport, football, Brown has played on both sides of the ball. This spring, though, he has focused most of his attention on defense. 

In his three seasons at the varsity level, Brown recorded 91 tackles and eight sacks.

When asked about his excitement for joining LSU, Brown remarked, “I get to play Saturday nights at Death Valley, that’s all. I’m going to win the National Championship.”

Brown is not the only five-star recruit committed to LSU. Tristen Keys and Trenton Henderson also headline Brian Kelly’s 2026 recruiting class.

The recruiting class is ranked seventh in the nation. 

Even before Brown arrives on campus, LSU is well-positioned for a significant campaign in the 2025 season, as they have assembled a leading transfer class for the upcoming year. 

LSU brings back quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as the Tigers try to make the College Football Playoff after missing out in 2024.