Top 2026 Recruit Lamar Brown Expected to Delay Signing Despite LSU Commitment
LSU’s top pledge, Lamar Brown — widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class — is not expected to sign during the early signing period this week, according to multiple sources. Brown, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive tackle from Erwinville, Louisiana, remains verbally committed to LSU, but plans to wait before finalizing his signature.
Brown reportedly wants to see how newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin completes his staff before he signs. The decision introduces uncertainty surrounding the nation’s top recruit just days before early signing begins.
Brown has been the focal point of LSU’s 2026 class since announcing his commitment on July 10 over finalists Texas A&M and Miami. Even during the coaching transition following Brian Kelly’s dismissal, Brown stayed committed and later met with Kiffin shortly after his arrival in Baton Rouge.
Should Brown ultimately sign with LSU, he would be the program’s first No. 1 overall signee since Leonard Fournette in 2014.
Kiffin has already started building his coaching staff, bringing six assistants over from Ole Miss. However, the status of two key figures Brown is close with — defensive coordinator Blake Baker and interim coach Frank Wilson — is still unclear. Kiffin stated Monday that Wilson will remain on staff at least through the bowl game.
Brown’s status looms large over LSU’s 2026 recruiting class, which opened the week ranked No. 15 nationally. Early momentum for Kiffin has already begun, as former Ole Miss tight end commit JC Anderson (No. 165 nationally) became the first player to join LSU under the new staff after flipping his pledge on Tuesday. Three-star center Ryan Miret, another previous Ole Miss commit, and four-star wideout Brayden Allen, recently decommitted from Oklahoma, followed soon after.
The Tigers also saw one departure, with four-star receiver Kenny Darby announcing his decommitment Tuesday afternoon.
Brown’s decision now stands as the centerpiece storyline heading into signing week, with LSU awaiting whether the nation’s top prospect ultimately seals his future in Baton Rouge or keeps the door open longer.
