Lane Kiffin closes first week as LSU HC with massive coaching hires

Robinson most recently coached at Syracuse and has developed a reputation as an elite recruiter. He's also familiar with the SEC, coaching at Texas A&M for six seasons (2018-23). Per Football Scoop, during that span, the Aggies ranked in the top 20 in rushing defense three times.

LSU just capped a banner early signing period by securing commitments from two five-star defensive linemen, Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson. The Tigers also added four-star recruits Trenton Henderson and Deuce Geralds to further strengthen the line of scrimmage.

After a chaotic exit from Ole Miss, which saw Kiffin leave the playoff-bound program last Sunday, the first-year Tigers coach has settled in comfortably in his new role, keeping the core of LSU's high-school recruiting class intact, persuading Baker to stay in Baton Rouge and luring Robinson to the Pelican State.

Finding a quarterback is chief among Kiffin's remaining concerns, but instead of also scrambling to fill defensive roles, that side of the ball should remain a strength in 2026. If LSU hits a home run in the transfer portal like it did in 2022 when then-head coach Brian Kelly landed Jayden Daniels, the program could make a lot of noise early in Kiffin's tenure. Perhaps even more than when he arrived.