4-Star LSU Commit Drops Unexpected Bombshell on 2026 Future Following Brian Kelly’s Departure

So, Brian Kelly’s time at LSU came to an abrupt end Sunday night — a four-season stint capped with a 34-14 record and, well, more questions than answers. Now, as the Tigers kick off the hunt for a new head coach, the real kicker isn’t just who fills Kelly’s shoes — it’s whether the recruits who pledged loyalty to him will stick around or bolt for greener pastures. We’ve seen the chaotic fallout elsewhere—like Penn State’s recruiting scramble after James Franklin’s firing—so it begs the question: can LSU hold its ground, or will the dominoes start tumbling? Early signs offer a glimmer of hope: four-star safety Aiden Hall has boldly declared he’s “1,000% committed,” while coveted 2027 QB Elijah Haven is still open to the Tigers’ pitch despite Kelly’s exit. But with big names like James Franklin and Lane Kiffin floating as possible replacements, the next coach faces a pivotal choice—preserve Kelly’s 2026 class or reshape the roster entirely. Will loyalty win, or will the shakeup rewrite LSU’s recruiting story? Time, and some bold moves, will tell. LEARN MORE.

LSU football launched its search for a new head coach Sunday night after Brian Kelly got fired. The Tigers end a four-season run by Kelly who leaves with a 34-14 record in Baton Rouge. But will recruits follow Kelly out of LSU too?

Coach firings leave ripple effects on the college football recruiting trail. Penn State is one already dealing with a massive exodus of recruits after James Franklin’s dismissal.

One four-star commit already spoke out to Tom Loy of 247Sports about LSU’s decision for Kelly. Safety Aiden Hall shared these words that’ll grab the attention of Tiger fans.

“I’m still 1,000% committed,” the New Orleans prospect from Edna Karr High told Loy.

That’s the first sign of hope post Kelly. But are there others?

5-star LSU target also speaks out about Brian Kelly decision

LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly reacts during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. — Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Hall is a prized 2026 pledge. But a five-star target was another who became vocal after the move.

Class of 2027 quarterback Elijah Haven talked to Loy after LSU’s decision. Haven shared if he’s still willing to listen to the Tigers.

“It’s definitely tough to see Coach Kelly go. If LSU wants to continue the conversation, me and my family are more than open to it,” Haven told the recruiting insider.

Haven will be a big one for the next Tigers head coach to land. He’s a prized local talent from Baton Rouge and the state’s top overall prospect for his graduating class.

Names like former Penn State head coach James Franklin and Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin are early replacement names for Kelly. Whoever steps in next has a big decision to make with both the 2026 and ’27 classes.

Kelly built the nation’s 11th ranked ’26 class per 247Sports featuring 13 verbal commits. Haven is LSU’s lone ’27 pledge as of now. Kelly’s successor either will keep the current 2026 crew and add to it, or blow it up and find his own players. But the star safety Hall let it be known he’s not planning to pivot out of his LSU commitment.

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