ESPN names LSU’s Lamar Brown as the most ‘college-ready’ freshman DL in 2026 class
By Jacob Moss
Published:
Despite a pretty tumultuous coaching change, the LSU Tigers managed to pull in a very nice high school recruiting class, featuring several highly talented soon-to-be freshmen who figure to be immediate impact players for Lane Kiffin.
The crown jewel of this recruiting class was none other than homegrown 5-star athlete Lamar Brown out of Baton Rouge, who 247Sports rated as the top player in the state and a top 5 player overall in the 2026 cycle.
A 6’4, 293-pound 2-way star, Brown possesses all the tools to contribute day 1 for Kiffin and the Bayou Bengals, and this is why ESPN named him the most “college-ready” freshman defensive lineman.
Here’s analysis from ESPN’s Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill:
He reminds us of 2016 five-star Rashan Gary on defense and 2017 five-star Trey Smith on offense. Brown prefers defense and has SEC-level physical tools. His three-cone drill and vertical leap ranks among the top 15% compared to the NFL average for defensive tackles at the last five draft combines. He might be even better as an offensive lineman because he has natural knee bend and moves well. Brown could be a future NFL first-rounder as an offensive guard. Add in his natural leadership, and the top prospect in the 2026 class seems almost certain to quickly play his way into a role.
It’s not very often a true freshman steps onto campus with the ability to start on the defensive and offensive lines of an SEC program, but Brown clearly possesses that rare type of upside.
