LSU’s head coach is leaving no stone unturned in securing the future of the program. He has already dipped his toes in the 2029 recruitment pool and has targeted legacy prospect BJ LaFell. The young star is sending positive signs after the LSU offer.

According to Tiger Bait’s Mike Scarborough, the 2029 star is “surprised and super happy.” LSU offered him in late January, becoming one of the first P4 schools to pursue him. He is the son of Brandon LaFell, one of the most decorated Tigers wide receivers from the BCS era, which makes recruiting him easier. He is growing into a versatile player, which is why Kiffin did not want to wait around when they have such a big advantage.

LaFell is only a freshman at Shadow Creek High School in Texas,  but he has lined up as quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. According to MaxPreps, the Texas native ran the ball 10 times for 151 yards and scored four touchdowns. As a signal-caller, he threw 5 out of 9 passes for 72 yards. And as wide out, he caught four passes for 82 yards and a sole touchdown. It is no wonder he has over 20 offers from big-name programs. LSU has to fight the likes of Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas, LaFell’s home team.

BJ LaFell is a special target for LSU because his father is one of the program’s early stars who made the program ‘WRU.’ At the time of his graduation in 2009, Brandon had firmly put himself on the all-time leaderboard. He had 175 (3rd highest then) receptions, 2,517 yards (5th highest), and 25 touchdowns (second). His reliability is what stood out about him. At one point, he caught at least one pass in 41 straight games. Because of his clutch running through his veins, he earned First-Team All-SEC honors and led the league in touchdowns during his junior year, hanging with the best in the toughest conference.

With that kind of bloodline and legacy, it’s somewhat tough to imagine LSU letting BJ slip away. The Tigers feel like a match made in heaven for BJ LaFell. Interestingly, the Tigers are also in prime position to lock down another legacy recruit, a 5-star.

Lane Kiffin’s favourite to lock in on Ahmad Hudson

On3’s recruiting expert Shea Dixon has predicted that Ahmad Hudson is likely to stay home and commit to the LSU Tigers. Hudson is a local recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the 2027 class. Kiffin and his staff have been pursuing Hudson since their time at Ole Miss Rebels.

LSU currently has two commitments in its 2027 class: EDGE Jaiden Bryant and quarterback Peyton Houston. But when Kiffin and part of his staff moved to Baton Rouge, Hudson became one of the first 2027 prospects they contacted after sorting their squad for the 2026 campaign.

The staff made it clear early on that he was a top priority. Tight ends coach Joe Cox played an important role in this process, going the extra mile to keep a strong relationship with Hudson, even while dealing with the challenges of transitioning between programs. Hudson acknowledged that things were hectic during this period, but “appreciated” the coach for constantly being in touch with him.

Ahmad is the son of Antonio Hudson, who was an All-SEC basketball player for the school from 2001 to 2005. Kiffin is also trying to make this a family connection, as LSU has offered Ahmad’s younger brother, Branson Hudson. Ahmad has said he likes the idea of possibly playing alongside his brother at the college level.

On the field, Hudson has been dominant over the past two seasons, recording 100 catches for 1,754 yards and 19 touchdowns. Those numbers show why LSU is pushing hard to land him and why other programs are finding it difficult to compete.

However, having ties to these recruits will not be enough for LSU to land them in Baton Rouge. Lane Kiffin and Co. have to prove it to them in this crucial 2026 season that the program is worth investing their career and skills into.