As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, LSU’s football program under head coach Brian Kelly is turning its attention to a crucial position for the future: quarterback. While LSU’s 2024 and 2025 recruiting efforts have been relatively focused on building a championship-caliber roster, Kelly and his staff are already eyeing a few potential quarterback flips for the 2026 class. This shift highlights a deliberate, forward-thinking approach that aims to keep the Tigers competitive for years to come. With several highly-touted 2026 quarterbacks already committed to other programs, LSU has set its sights on flipping them to Baton Rouge.
This blog post will break down LSU’s pursuit of these quarterbacks, exploring who they are, what makes them stand out, and how LSU’s recruiting staff plans to convince them to take a second look at LSU football.
## LSU’s Quarterback Needs and Vision
Before diving into the specific flip targets, it’s essential to understand the quarterback situation at LSU. While Jayden Daniels is currently leading the Tigers’ offense, his time in Baton Rouge will eventually come to an end. The next few seasons will likely see him leave for the NFL, and the Tigers will need a new signal-caller to lead them into the future.
Brian Kelly’s staff has already addressed the immediate future by securing solid commitments at the quarterback position for the 2024 and 2025 cycles, with promising players who could take over when Daniels departs. However, Kelly and his team are looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, aware that they need to build depth and continue the Tigers’ legacy of producing elite quarterbacks.
That’s where the 2026 recruiting class comes in. LSU is targeting multiple quarterbacks in the class who are already committed to other programs, but Kelly has shown time and again that he is a master at building relationships with recruits and flipping them from their verbal commitments. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the key quarterback targets in the 2026 class that LSU is going after.
## The Flip Targets: A Look at the Quarterbacks
### 1. **Tyler Williams (Committed to Ohio State)**
One of LSU’s top quarterback targets for the 2026 cycle is Tyler Williams, who is currently committed to Ohio State. Williams is an elite quarterback prospect out of the state of Florida, standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing a powerful arm. He has been compared to some of the best quarterbacks in the country and has already drawn attention from many major programs, including LSU.
Williams’ commitment to Ohio State has been in place for several months, but LSU has been steadily building a relationship with him and his family. What makes Williams such an attractive target for the Tigers is his dual-threat ability and his capability to make all the throws required at the college level. He’s an incredibly intelligent player with good decision-making skills, and LSU could provide him with the platform to excel in a high-powered offense that has produced quarterbacks for the NFL.
Brian Kelly’s success in recruiting top-tier quarterbacks, combined with LSU’s storied football history and strong development program, is a selling point for Williams. If LSU can create enough doubt about his fit at Ohio State or get him to revisit his options during the recruiting process, Williams could be a prime candidate for a flip.
### 2. **Zachary Thomas (Committed to Alabama)**
Another quarterback that LSU has its eye on is Zachary Thomas, a 6-foot-5 pocket passer out of the state of Georgia. Thomas is currently committed to Alabama, one of LSU’s biggest rivals in the SEC. While the Crimson Tide is known for developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, Thomas might find LSU’s offensive system more appealing, especially given Kelly’s proven ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks.
Thomas’ skill set is polished, and his high football IQ makes him an intriguing option for LSU. He has the ability to read defenses quickly and is capable of making all the necessary throws to succeed in a pro-style offense. His natural ability to lead a team and make plays in clutch situations also stands out. LSU could pitch the opportunity to compete in the SEC West, which would give Thomas a chance to play against elite defenses week in and week out. If the Tigers can show him the right developmental path and environment, he could be tempted to reconsider his commitment to Alabama.
### 3. **Jordan King (Committed to Georgia)**
Jordan King, a highly-rated quarterback out of Texas, has already committed to Georgia, but LSU is not backing down from the chase. King’s size (standing at 6-foot-4) and arm strength are his standout qualities, and his ability to push the ball down the field makes him an intriguing prospect for any program.
What sets LSU apart in this recruitment is the team’s ability to develop quarterbacks in a system that maximizes their potential. Under Brian Kelly, LSU has produced several successful quarterbacks, and King could be the next in line for a high-powered offense that balances both the passing and running games. King is known for his ability to stay calm under pressure and make throws in tight windows, which are qualities that could be developed even further in Baton Rouge.
King is a high-priority target for LSU, and although he’s committed to Georgia, the Tigers are hoping to convince him that LSU’s coaching staff and offensive system offer the best route to stardom at the collegiate level and beyond.
### 4. **Eli Mitchell (Committed to USC)**
Eli Mitchell, another quarterback from the state of California, is currently committed to USC. However, LSU sees a lot of potential in Mitchell, whose mobility and ability to make plays on the run could fit perfectly in Brian Kelly’s fast-paced offense. Standing at 6-foot-2, Mitchell combines a strong arm with the ability to extend plays with his legs. This dual-threat capability makes him a versatile quarterback and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Mitchell’s commitment to USC has been firm for some time, but LSU is trying to break through. The Tigers’ pitch to Mitchell would likely center on the development opportunities and the chance to play in a high-profile conference like the SEC, where the competition is second to none. LSU has built a reputation for producing quarterbacks who go on to NFL success, and if Kelly and his staff can sell that vision, Mitchell could very well flip from USC.
## Why LSU Is Pursuing These Quarterbacks
There are a few key reasons why LSU is making a concerted effort to flip these quarterbacks. First and foremost, LSU wants to continue building elite quarterback depth. The Tigers have a championship-caliber roster, but they need a quarterback who can lead the team for years to come.
Additionally, with the SEC becoming even more competitive with programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee continuing to recruit at a high level, LSU needs to recruit top-tier quarterbacks to keep pace with the best. Kelly has built a strong recruiting infrastructure, and landing one of these flips would be a testament to his ability to build relationships and get recruits to buy into the LSU vision.
Lastly, the quarterbacks LSU is targeting are players who can thrive in Kelly’s offensive system. Kelly’s ability to develop quarterbacks and help them transition to the NFL is a key selling point for recruits, and LSU is positioning itself as one of the top destinations for quarterback development.
## Conclusion
As LSU continues its pursuit of several high-profile 2026 quarterback recruits, the Tigers are in an excellent position to flip some of the nation’s top talents. With a proven track record of quarterback development, a dynamic offensive system, and the resources of one of the best football programs in the country, LSU remains a powerful player in the recruiting race. While flipping top quarterbacks from their current commitments will be no easy task, LSU’s persistence, coupled with Brian Kelly’s ability to connect with recruits, gives the Tigers a legitimate chance to add some game-changing quarterbacks to the roster for the future.
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