By Mmesoma 
The LSU Tigers have sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, leaping past perennial recruiting powerhouses Alabama and Ohio State to claim one of the top spots in the 2025 national recruiting rankings.
Powered by a flurry of high-profile commitments in recent weeks, LSU now sits firmly among the nation’s elite, signaling that head coach Brian Kelly’s vision for the program is resonating with top talent across the country.
The Tigers’ surge was solidified after landing five-star wide receiver Malcolm Gaines out of Houston, Texas, and four-star defensive end Treyvon Marshall from Georgia—both of whom had been heavily pursued by the Crimson Tide and Buckeyes.
“This is a turning point,” said recruiting analyst Marcus Brewer of Rivals.com. “LSU is no longer chasing—they’re setting the pace.”
With 18 total commitments, including five in the Top 100, the Tigers now boast a class brimming with speed, strength, and versatility. Coach Kelly has emphasized building from the trenches out, and it shows—LSU has secured some of the top offensive and defensive linemen in the 2025 cycle.
“The staff’s energy, the culture here, and the chance to be part of something special—those were the reasons I chose LSU,” said Gaines during his commitment livestream. “This is where I want to win a championship.”
The jump ahead of Alabama and Ohio State is no small feat. Both programs have consistently dominated the recruiting world, often trading places at the top. But LSU’s aggressive recruiting strategy, strong NIL infrastructure, and recent on-field success have made the Tigers a premier destination once again.
Coach Kelly, who has been on a mission to return LSU to national championship contention, credited the staff’s tireless work and the buy-in from recruits and their families.
“This is about more than rankings,” Kelly said in a press conference. “It’s about building a team that can compete for titles, develop men, and win the right way. But yes—these guys coming in are game-changers.”
As summer rolls on, the recruiting battle is far from over. Alabama and Ohio State are expected to make their own waves, but for now, the Tigers have roared the loudest—and the nation is taking notice.
The message from Baton Rouge is clear: LSU is back, and they’re hunting titles.