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Elite LSU WR Commit Addresses Possible Flip to Hated SEC Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 31, 2025 2:32 PM ET

LSU wide receiver commit Kenny Darby is gaining steam for a potential flip within the SEC.

One of the top playmakers in the country, head coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers logged a key recruiting win when receiving a commitment from Darby back in November.

Darby (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) plays for Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana. He nearly tripled his best output as a junior last season, posting 100 catches for 1,764 yards with 24 touchdowns.

Darby ranks as the No. 18 player at the position, the No. 6 player in the state and the No. 116 recruit overall in the class of 2026, according to Rivals.

Despite Darby committing early in the process, he shut down his recruitment in January, reaffirming his pledge to LSU as other programs made their pitches.

Darby's recruitment doesn't appear to be as simple as Tigers' fans would like, though, as he took an official visit to SEC rival Alabama this weekend.

And the Crimson Tide must have made quite the impression.

Darby is reportedly considering a flip to head coach Kalen DeBoer's Alabama and will make his decision on July 4, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett on Saturday.

“I love the coaching staffs a lot," Darby said via On3. "It’s going to be hard.”

It's not often that a recruit acknowledges another contender has entered the picture without decommiting. Darby took to social media shortly after the news broke and attempted to ease the concerns of LSU faithful.

"It’s not what it looks like," Darby wrote on X.

While Alabama gaining ground isn't ideal for Kelly and Co., LSU does have the benefit of hosting Darby for his final official visit (June 20) before his decision on July 4.

The Tigers currently hold the nation's No. 2 class, including nine commitments with three of the top receivers in the country.

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

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