Five-Star Trenton Henderson Chooses LSU, Boosting Tigers' 2026 Class!

Zephyrhills, Florida, USA - The LSU Tigers have kicked off July with a bang, securing a commitment from five-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson from Pensacola, Florida. This dynamic athlete stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds, ranking as the No. 4 edge rusher and No. 28 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. His commitment marks a significant boost for LSU’s recruiting efforts, placing them at No. 12 nationally, as reported by CBS Sports.

Henderson, who is highly regarded as the top uncommitted edge rusher, has made quite a name for himself on the field. Last season, he recorded an impressive 50 total tackles, including 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hurries. These stats underline why he has become one of the most sought-after players in the 2026 class. This marks the second major five-star commitment for Coach Brian Kelly this cycle, following wide receiver Tristen Keys, and the 12th overall commitment for the Tigers this year. With such momentum, the team’s future looks more promising.

The Recruiting Landscape

Henderson’s commitment comes at a critical time for LSU, as Brian Kelly faces increasing scrutiny heading into the 2025 season. The Tigers haven’t made a College Football Playoff appearance since they clinched the national championship title in 2019, and the pressure is on to maintain top-tier talent. Last fall, LSU lost out on the No. 1 overall recruit, Bryce Underwood, to Michigan, and securing commitments like Henderson’s is crucial to rebuilding the program’s prestige.

Henderson’s decision was influenced by logistical considerations, as Baton Rouge is approximately four hours from Pensacola—closer than Gainesville, with substantial competition from schools like Florida and Texas. Notably, he initially contemplated committing to USC but ultimately chose the Tigers for the convenience and opportunity. The commitment adds yet another layer to a talented LSU recruiting class, which ranks No. 15 according to ESPN. Henderson joins a growing roster of top prospects for 2026, including defensive end targets like Lamar Brown and cornerback Chauncey Kennon, whose commitments are on the horizon. This trend is promising for fans eager to see the Tigers return to their former glory. ESPN notes that Henderson’s commitment is particularly significant as it marks the first top 300 pledge in over two months for LSU.

Building a Championship Team

As the coaching staff focuses on beefing up their roster, they have already secured a collection of stellar athletes for the 2026 class, which is aiming to be as competitive as ever. LSU’s current lineup features some standout recruits, including:

• **Richard Anderson**: No. 2 defensive lineman in the nation with remarkable stats.
• **Aiden Hall**: A top safety rated among the best in the country.
• **Brysten Martinez**: An offensive tackle gaining recognition for his skills.
• **Kenny Darby**: A wide receiver with impressive season stats, totaling 24 touchdowns.
• **Jakai Anderson**: Another wide receiver contributing great numbers.
• **Jalan Chapman**: A coveted offensive lineman who chose LSU over notable competitors.

This roster reflects LSU’s commitment to not only attracting elite talent but also developing a well-rounded team suitable for championship aspirations, as outlined by Sports Illustrated.

With the announcement from Henderson, the LSU Tigers are not just adding another name to their roster; they are paving the way for a brighter future. The unwavering dedication to strengthening their recruiting classes underscores a strategic vision: to reclaim their position among college football’s elite.