Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

LSU Commit and Nation's No. 2 Recruit Sends Clear Pitch to 5-Star Prospect

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 3:37 PM ET

One of the biggest names left uncommitted in the 2026 recruiting class is interior offensive lineman Darius Gray out of Richmond, Virginia, but that will soon change.

On Sunday, Rivals' Hayes Fawcett reported that he's down to five schools: the LSU Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks, Clemson Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes and Tennessee Volunteers.

It's a high-powered race, and LSU is even receiving some help from a fellow member of the 2026 class: Lamar Brown, a dual-threat athlete and the nation's No. 2 recruit, per Rivals Industry Rankings.

After the final schools were announced, Brown made his pitch to Gray, saying, "BATON ROUGE IS HOME DG!!! @dariusgrayy_," via an X post.

BATON ROUGE IS HOME DG!!!@dariusgrayy_ https://t.co/KhsMXtT8NZ
— Lamar Brown (@lamar1brown) July 13, 2025

Rivals Industry Rankings place him as a five-star recruit, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman, the No. 2 player in Virginia and the No. 31 player in the nation.

It will remain to be seen if Brown's message to his fellow recruit pays off, and as of now, things look good with the Rivals recruiting prediction machine giving LSU the best chance to land his services (51.1%).

The programs' rich history may also come into play for Gray's decision, as he told Steve Wiltfong, "They have the player development for my position and the top school of development for offensive linemen.”

If the Tigers and coach Brian Kelly do come out on top, Gray has the chance to become their third five-star recruit in this year's cycle, joining Brown and wide receiver Tristen Keys.

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

More must-reads: