Bayou Splash Notes 1.0: LSU Dialed In On Recruiting Trail

Brian Kelly and Co. are prepared to heat up on the trail, hosting several five-stars on Friday.

LSU hosts its “Bayou Splash” recruiting event on Friday with several blue-chip prospects making their way to Baton Rouge to take in the scenes. For Brian Kelly and his staff, it’s the biggest day of the summer with a star-studded visitors list expected.

From over 15 commitments in the 2024 class attending to the No. 1 quarterback in the nation, there will be no shortage of elite-level talent in Death Valley this weekend.

Here are a few notes as the event kicks off at 2pm on Friday:

No. 1 QB in America Touches Down

LSU received a surprise visit from the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class with Bryce Underwood making his way to Baton Rouge, On3's Shea Dixon has reported. 

Underwood, a Michigan native, was expected to visit with the Wolverines this weekend before making the decision to attend the Bayou Splash event.

It marks the second time the coveted signal-caller has made his way to Death Valley this year with his family. A special weekend on his parent’s anniversary, it means that much more to get the Underwood’s down South.

Quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan has continued putting in work when it comes to the recruitment of Underwood, and with a commitment date coming in January, it’s clear Sloan has his foot on the gas. Huge to get the prized quarterback in Baton Rouge surrounded by elite-level talent.

Duncanville Duo Arrives in Baton Rouge

The Tigers are hosting a few Duncanville (Tex.) prospects this weekend, but none more important than five-star EDGE Colin Simmons and four-star running back Caden Durham. 

For Simmons, he touched down in New Orleans on Friday morning after a trip with his family to New York. From New Orleans, Simmons made his way on over to Baton Rouge to attend the Bayou Splash event that begins at 2pm.

When it comes to Durham, he’s at the top of the Tigers wish list in the 2024 class. With a commitment date set for August 25, it’s full steam ahead for running backs coach Frank Wilson as he turns the heat up for the priority back.

The duo remains close off of the gridiron and could certainly look to team up at the next level, but for now, it’s a huge get to have both prospects in town for Bayou Splash.

No. 1 Player in Louisiana Attending 

Brian Kelly has built a wall around Louisiana. With eight of the state’s Top 10 prospects committed to LSU, two remain on the board in five-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley and four-star cornerback Wardell Mack.

McKinley is expected to be in town for Bayou Splash, which once again, provides this program with a monster prospect in town. For now, it appears Mack will not be in town, sources tell LSU Country.

Defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey has continued his pursuit of McKinley, and with several potential suitors in his ear, it’s a win for LSU to get him in on Friday.

Commitments Galore Make It In

The 2024 class will make its presence felt on Friday and that’s an understatement. LSU will have 15+ commitments in town to help their recruiting efforts as they look to add the final pieces to a star-studded cycle.

Colin Hurley, Jojo Stone, Kylan Billiot, Cai Bates, Tylen Singleton and more are expected to be in town for the event. It’s a huge turnout for the biggest recruiting event of the summer, and to get your signal-caller of the future in Hurley and more to town is huge moving forward.

Commitment Watch?

There are two prospects who are hot on LSU’s radar: Offensive tackle Ory Williams and wide receiver Jelani Watkins. 

The two priority targets will be in town for Bayou Splash and are certainly a pair to keep an eye on over the next few hours, days and/or weeks.

Ory and Watkins will make the trek on over from Texas and this LSU staff hasn’t let up when it comes to their recruitment. 

For Williams, he's felt the love from the Tigers over the last few months. After taking an official visit to Baton Rouge in June, it's been steady sailing since.

When it comes to Watkins, a player who will be a two-sport star at the next level on both the gridiron and track, LSU hasn't let it up in recruiting the speedster. 

He's one that this program will need to continue pushing for over time, but after making his way in town once again this year, LSU could be trending for Watkins.