Five LSU Football Recruiting Targets to Watch: Tigers Hosting a Crucial Visitor Weekend

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are set for their first big recruiting weekend of the year with the program hosting its “Junior Day” event in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

Kelly and the LSU staff will welcome double-digit commitments and targets to campus for an important day on the recruiting trail.

From a pair of five-star targets heading to Death Valley to 2026 commitments making the drive in, LSU will be in for a huge day on “The Trail”.

Which five visitors should LSU fans get familiar with? What’s the buzz on their recruitment?

Five Visitors to Know: “Boys in the Boot” Weekend

Blaine Bradford: No. 1 Safety in America

Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic High safety Blaine Bradford remains one of the most coveted prospects in America as he navigates a busy offseason on the recruiting trail.

Bradford, who’s rated as the No. 1 safety in the 2026 Recruiting Class, has LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Alabama and Ohio State firmly in the race for his commitment as he works through a rigorous process.

The top-ranked safety in America has a slew of potential suitors, but the hometown school is gaining momentum relatively early in the process.

Bradford has taken trips to each of his finalists with his most recent trip being to the Oregon Ducks last weekend where he dropped in a multi-day stay to Eugene.

A Bayou State native, the Tigers are pushing hard for the coveted safety right down the road from Death Valley.

He’s a player at the top of their 2026 “must haves” with defensive backs coaches Corey Raymond and Jake Olsen ramping up their push.

“I am super interested in [LSU],” Bradford told On3 Sports “They are the hometown team. They have a program that is built up. That 2025 class coming in is great too and LSU has real potential. I have been there so many times and they are so consistent. The staff wants what is best for their players and their legacy is strong.”

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior has an impressive double-digit scholarship list with LSU now among the five finalists: LSU, Oregon, Notre Dame, Alabama and Ohio State.

Now, Bradford will be in Death Valley this weekend for the program’s Junior Day event where he will be surrounded by several blue-chippers.

Richard Anderson: No. 2 Defensive Lineman in America

New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr four-star defensive lineman Richard Anderson ranks as the No. 3 overall prospect in Louisiana.

The LSU commitment has been loyal to his pledge to the program after going public with a decision in June, but it hasn’t stopped the “Who’s Who” of college football from turning up the heat.