Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Brian Kelly Sends Strong Message After LSU’s Latest In-State Recruiting Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 2:58 PM ET

When it comes to the 2026 recruiting class, the LSU Tigers have been one of the most successful programs, receiving a total of 15 commitments for a group that ranks No. 3 in the SEC and No. 5 in the nation.

They aren't showing signs of slowing down either and on Thursday, they made one of their biggest additions yet, landing a commitment from athlete Lamar Brown out of Erwinville, Louisiana.

It was certainly an intense battle to come out on top, and quickly after the news broke, head coach Brian Kelly went to X to say "The State of Football," making sure everyone knows Louisiana is the place to go for any recruit.

The State of Football
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) July 10, 2025

There's no doubt that this addition gives LSU a huge reason to celebrate, as On3 Industry Rankings place Brown as a five-star recruit, the No. 1 athlete, the No. 1 player in Louisiana and the No. 7 player in the nation.

Throughout his career at the high school, he's played on both sides of the line, and last year, after not allowing a single sack, he was named a Second-Team MaxPreps Junior All-American as an offensive lineman.

Despite the clear success on offense, he's made it clear he wants to play on defense in college, previously telling On3's Chad Simmons, "I feel I am a better defensive lineman."

Brown also becomes the third five-star recruit that LSU and Kelly have landed in this year's cycle, joining wide receiver Tristen Keys and defensive lineman Richard Anderson, who are both No. 1 at their positions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: