Is LSU Football Trending for a Top-10 Defensive Lineman in America?

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers pushing for a prized defensive lineman, battling with heavy-hitters down the stretch.

Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff have been on a recruiting tear over the last 30 days after signing an impressive 2025 Recruiting Class along with the No. 1 Transfer Portal Class in America.

Kelly and Co. will bring in several newcomers this offseason with the 2025 class and transfers arriving in Baton Rouge over the next few months.

Now, looking ahead, the 2026 Recruiting Cycle will be one to keep tabs on. LSU already holds a Top-10 class with five commitments to this point.

The 2026 Pledges: Defensive lineman Richard Anderson, safety Aiden Hall, wide receiver Kenny Darby, wide receiver Jakai Anderson and offensive lineman Jalan Chapman.

Could LSU be adding to the class soon?

A top target is set to announce a commitment decision on Thursday with the Bayou Bengals making noise.

The Target: JaReylan McCoy

Tupelo (Miss.) four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy is one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting cycle with a several programs battling it out for his services.

McCoy, a Top-100 recruit who just wrapped up an impressive junior campaign, is currently in Orlando (Fla.) alongside America's elite prospects for the Under Armour All-American Game.

The LSU target has been in Orlando since Sunday working through preparation for the Jan. 2 showdown in the Sunshine State.

Now, he's prepared to make a decision.

LSU, USC and Tennessee are the trio of finalists for McCoy's services where he will make a decision on Thursday. The commitment choice will come at some point during the Under Armour All-American Game on Jan. 2.

He's a player multiple programs are turning the heat up for after logging 120 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks across three seasons of high school ball.

McCoy is a man amongst boys in the trenches. A 6-foot-7, 250-pounder with significant potential, he has the attention of the LSU Tigers down the stretch.

It's been a battle over the last few months, but after solidifying his three finalists, it's now decision time for McCoy.

The Top-10 defensive lineman in America is a Top-100 prospect in the 2026 Recruiting Class.

After speaking with a source familiar with McCoy's recruitment, LSU appears to have the edge heading into his reveal.

LSU Tigers On SI will have the latest on McCoy's commitment decision with the clock ticking until the Top-10 lineman goes public.

Kelly and Co. have been red hot on the recruiting trail over the last three-plus weeks after dominating the NCAA Transfer Portal.

The Tigers currently hold the No. 1 class in the portal with 14 additions locked in to this point.

"We'll be very aggressive," Kelly said prior to the portal window opening. "I think everybody knows last summer that we weren't very aggressive in the transfer portal and we put together a defensive line with minimal resources. We've really put ourselves in a position, and I'll use this term loosely, well under the 'cap' to where we could be quite aggressive this year. And we will be in that area."

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Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU program.