The LSU Tigers are preparing for their first season under new head coach Lane Kiffin. The expectations are high, as FanDuel Sportsbook ties them for the 10th-best odds (+2200) to win the national championship.
However, even with expectations of immediate success, Kiffin and his staff have kept an eye on the future. LSU has already landed two commitments in the 2027 recruiting class in the form of four-star EDGE Jaiden Bryant and four-star quarterback Peyton Houston.
Another big-time name the Tigers have been pushing for is running back Nigel Newkirk, out of Gainesville, Georgia. According to Rivals' Hayes Fawcett, the running back has narrowed his decision to LSU, the Alabama Crimson Tide, USC Trojans, Miami Hurricanes, Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes.
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All the interest doesn't come as a surprise. Last season for Gainesville High School, Newkirk rushed for 1,496 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also hauled in 12 receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown.
Unfortunately for LSU, though, things aren't looking too good as the battle heats up. On Thursday, Rivals' director of recruiting, Chad Simmons, logged an expert prediction for Newkirk to choose the Crimson Tide.
He would be a major addition for Alabama. Rivals Industry Rankings place Newkirk as a four-star recruit, the No. 21 running back and the No. 281 player in the nation. The Crimson Tide has done its due diligence as well, hosting the running back for three unofficial visits, with an official visit scheduled for May 29.
If this prediction becomes a reality, the Tigers will have to search elsewhere for a running back. The Rivals recruiting prediction machine does give LSU the best chance (98.9%) to land four-star Jayden Miles.
