Despite losing the commitment of four-star class of 2026 defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy in early February, LSU football appears firmly in the hunt in this recruitment, as they’ll host the Tupelo, MS, product for a visit later this week.
Post-February decommitment from LSU, four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy will return to Baton Rouge for a visit this weekend
Often forgotten is the simple fact that college football recruiting is a marathon, never a sprint.
After all, why do you think the transfer portal exists?
When players rush into a decision before they’re officially ready, it’s not uncommon to see said player regret his college decision, even going as far as transferring just one year after arriving on campus for his freshman season.
That’s why more and more, we’re beginning to see players take their time with their college decisions, an art that was once commonplace not too long ago.
A big portion of that process is the visiting seasons. Whether it be spring or summer, both official and unofficial visits provide an excellent opportunity for recruits throughout the country to take trips to any prospective schools that may have mutual interest. Everyone does it, and in the world of recruiting, it’s not uncommon for a visit to end up being the deciding factor.
That’s why it’s so important to note that, despite having lost the commitment of four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy in early February, the Tigers are nowhere near out of the race, as the talented Mississippi recruit will make his way to Baton Rouge both this weekend for an unofficial visit, as well as in late June for an official.
Listed as a 6-foot-6, 245-pound defensive lineman out of Tupelo, MS, McCoy is incredibly raw from a pure talent standpoint, but the physical traits alone speak for themselves when looking at the potential behind the four-star recruit. That potential is big reason for why he’s viewed so highly as a prospect, currently being rated as the No. 95 player nationally, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, as well as No. 9 among fellow defensive linemen.
Initially announcing his commitment to LSU football in early January, it was a big moment for head coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers, as he quickly inserted himself as one of the top Tiger pledges for the class of 2026 cycle. That said, once he decommitted just one month later, it was back to uncertainty, but with his recent decision to return to the purple and gold campus, there’s at least reason to feel encouraged.
Outside of Brian Kelly’s program, Auburn, Florida, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas and Texas A&M appear to be some of the other major contenders, as they are all expected to host the star defensive lineman at some point either this spring or summer.
LSU football class of 2026 commitments (ratings according to On3 Industry Rankings)
- 4-star DL Richard Anderson (New Orleans, LA)
- 4-star S Aiden Hall (New Orleans, LA)
- 4-star OT Brysten Martinez (Gonzales, LA)
- 4-star WR Kenny Darby (Bossier City, LA)
- 4-star WR Jakai Anderson (New Orleans, LA)
- 3-star IOL Jalan Chapman (New Orleans, LA)
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