LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Brian Kelly and LSU reach into Alabama to pull out elite CB recruit

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 11:20 AM ET

For as important as in-state recruiting can be, reaching into a rival state and snagging a top recruit can be a huge moment on the recruiting trail for a program.

That's especially true for Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers whenever they can grab a top player away from the state of Alabama — especially considering the long-standing rivalry between the Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

That was the case on Friday when LSU was able to land Dylan Purter, a four-star cornerback from Tuskegee, Alabama.

BREAKING 4-star CB Dylan Purter has committed to LSU, per @ChadSimmons_ and @Hayesfawcett3

Read: https://t.co/dhCggYKAAz pic.twitter.com/Mxjy0JVx4t
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 21, 2025

Purter just grabbed the offer from LSU in mid-February, but Kelly's staff stayed on him from the get-go.

“They’ve recruited me pretty heavily, staying in contact on a daily basis,” Purter told On3.

He took a visit to Baton Rouge on March 8, and that seemingly sealed the deal for the Tigers.

“Felt like I’ve been there forever,” he said. “Coach (Kelly) has amazing standards and holds his players accountable. (Safeties coach Jake Olsen) kept it real with me from the beginning. LSU develops top-notch defensive backs every year.”

Purter goes down as an important commitment for LSU's 2026 class. According to 247Sports, he's the No. 20 cornerback in the 2026 class and the No. 12 player from the state of Alabama. Notably, Purter does hold an offer from Auburn, but not from Alabama.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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