Key Points:
- LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly after a disappointing 5-3 start.
- Top recruit Lamar Brown remains committed despite the coaching change.
- Brown, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, is expected to stay at LSU.
The LSU Tigers entered Week 1 of the 2025 college football season ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 Poll. However, after a 5-3 start, they sit unranked, with any SEC title or College Football Playoff hopes gone. That’s led to some drastic decisions, including the firing of head coach Brian Kelly.
He took over as the program’s head coach in 2022 and compiled an overall record of 34-14 while going 3-0 in bowl games. When a head coach gets fired, it has several ripple effects on other parts of the program. That includes high school recruiting.
LSU’s 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 6 in the SEC and No. 12 in the nation with 17 commitments, according to On3. That group is headlined by athlete Lamar Brown, who committed to the Tigers and Kelly on July 10. Other finalists included the Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies and Miami Hurricanes.
However, in an article from Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman, he predicts Brown will stick with LSU, despite the head coaching change.
“I predict that the majority, if not all, prospects currently committed from Louisiana will eventually sign with the Tigers,” Spiegelman wrote. “That list starts with No. 1 overall prospect Lamar Brown, who remains committed. Sources I’ve spoken to do not expect him to leave the state — despite programs like the Aggies swinging away.”
Lamar Brown as a Recruit
Brown staying on board would be a huge win for the Tigers. Rivals Industry Rankings place him as the No. 1 recruit in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 285 pounds, he already has impressive size.
At the high school level, he plays on both the offensive and defensive line and has the skill to do either at the collegiate level.
“Lines up at right tackle and defensive end for his high school,” On3’s director of scouting Charles Power writes. “Elite athleticism and movement skills show up on both sides of the ball. Fires off the snap from his right tackle position. Flashes outstanding twitch in pass protection and working to the second level. … Shows disruptive ability as a big defensive end. Has the power to hold his ground and sift through the trash to make plays in the backfield. Can close quickly on the quarterback.”
Lamar Brown Speaks Out on LSU Firing Brian Kelly
The Tigers were still gearing up for the 2025 season when Brown committed to the program, meaning he was expecting to play under Kelly.
After he got fired, though, the five-star recruit took to X to send a message to Kelly, saying “Thank You for being THE FIRST COACH to believe in me!!! @CoachBrianKelly.”
Despite Brown and Kelly sharing a clear, deep connection, signs still indicate that he will start his collegiate career at LSU. With major changes incoming, holding onto such a highly touted recruit would be a massive win for the program.