LSU Tigers Reeling After Two Setbacks in 24 Hours

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 6:00 AM ET

Today’s not a good day to be an LSU Tiger. The SEC program suffered its second setback in less than 24 hours after news broke that safety AJ Haulcy, one of LSU’s biggest offseason transfer additions, will miss the first half of the season opener.

The NCAA confirmed he must serve a carryover suspension stemming from an ejection in Houston’s 2024 season finale.

LSU’s Recruiting Setback

The Tigers then lost a major recruiting prize. Five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS) flipped his commitment from LSU to Tennessee on Thursday, ending a pledge that had been in place since March.

At 6-foot-2, Keys is widely regarded as the top receiver in the 2026 class and was LSU’s highest-rated player in the cycle, according to 247Sports.

This marks the second straight class in which LSU lost its top-rated receiver to a flip—five-star Dakorien Moore did the same in 2025 when he chose Oregon over the Tigers.

Despite losing Keys, LSU’s 2026 class remains strong, retaining two highly-touted wideouts and still ranking inside the Top 10 nationally.

Tennessee Strikes Gold

For Tennessee, Keys decision represents a massive recruiting win. He becomes the highest-ranked player in the Volunteers 2026 class and joins an already loaded offensive group under Josh Heupel.

Keys connection with No. 1 quarterback recruit Faizon Brandon, forged in the ninth grade and strengthened at the Future 50 camp, promises to be a cornerstone of Tennessee’s passing attack for years to come.

Keys’ rise to five-star status came after a standout junior season at Hattiesburg High School, where he recorded 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns on 58 receptions and helped his team reach the Class 6A state championship.

A multi-sport athlete, Keys also excelled in track and basketball.

With Keys in the fold, Tennessee now boasts three offensive five-star commits, including Brandon and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, along with a deep supporting class of 10 blue-chip prospects.

The haul vaulted Tennessee from No. 11 to No. 8 in the 2026 team rankings, surpassing LSU and moving ahead of programs like Michigan and Ohio State.

“This is going to be fun,” Keys told 247Sports. “Faizon and I have a great connection, and we’re going to put on a show on Saturday nights.”

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

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