Class of 2026 linebacker includes LSU football in list of top early contenders

After first offering class of 2026 linebacker Shadarius Toodle on March 6, 2024, LSU football has remained right in the mix for the blue chip defender, most recently being included in his list of top-10 contenders.

LSU making a strong early push for class of 2026 linebacker Shadarius Toodle

LSU football hasn’t landed a single commitment in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and even so, it feels as though they have a chance to finish with one of the top groups in the entire country. This is largely due to an elite recruiting class for the state of Louisiana, with five of the top 50 players in the country residing in the boot, headlined by defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, who sits at No. 1 overall.

As if that weren’t enough, the purple and gold have shown no fear in reaching out of state for some big-time talent, most recently being included in the top-10 for elite class of 2026 linebacker Shadarius Toodle out of Mobile, AL.

2026 Top-100 prospect Shadarius Toodle is down to 🔟 schools, he tells @ChadSimmons_‼️

Read: https://t.co/NvPu6mZ2Vo pic.twitter.com/1WbqMAtt1c

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 14, 2024

Officially listed at 6-foot-3, 210-pounds, Toodle ranks as the No. 68 player nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite, as well as No. 5 among players at his position.

Along with the Tigers, the Cottage Hill Christian Academy standout included Auburn, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas A&M within his group of top contenders.

Notably, with the inclusion of so many high-level programs, it’s hard to see too much separation thus far, but thanks in large part to overall proximity, Auburn and LSU seem to be the early favorites to eventually land the Alabama-based talent.

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