LSU Football Gears-up Named Finalist for Elite Safety

LSU Football Named Finalist for Elite Safety and Four-Star Prospect

Brian Kelly and his coaching staff are intensifying their pursuit of talented defensive back Cortez Redding, as he makes the cut in his recruitment after revealing his Top-8 schools.

Redding, a four-star safety from Jonesboro, Georgia, is ranked among the top 15 safeties in the country. Following a standout junior season, he has seen his stock rise significantly, attracting attention from top programs nationwide.

LSU has shown strong interest in the rising 2026 prospect, with safeties coach Jake Olsen visiting Redding in January to discuss his future prospects and what he seeks in a program.

Redding has now revealed his Top-8 list of schools, which includes LSU alongside Ole Miss, Florida, Indiana, Miami, Auburn, Florida State, and North Carolina State. The 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back will look to finalize his official visit schedule in the coming summer, with LSU remaining a key contender.

LSU’s defensive backs coaches, Corey Raymond and Jake Olsen, have been actively recruiting top-tier talent for the 2026 class. After securing several high-profile recruits in the 2025 class, including the nation’s top-ranked cornerback, DJ Pickett, the focus has shifted to the 2026 cycle.

Currently, LSU ranks among the top programs in recruiting, sitting at No. 1 in the SEC and No. 5 nationally. The upcoming spring and summer months will be crucial for building on the foundation of this class.

As for LSU’s commitments in the 2026 class so far, here’s a quick rundown:

• Richard Anderson (No. 2 DL in America): Committed to LSU in 2024, Anderson is fresh off a dominant junior season and is ranked the top prospect in Louisiana.

• Aiden Hall (No. 4 Safety in America): Hall, one of the nation’s top safeties, joined the 2026 class after an outstanding junior year and remains a priority target for LSU.

• Brysten Martinez (4-star Offensive Tackle): The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Martinez, a top-75 overall prospect, committed to LSU over several other SEC schools.

• Kenny Darby (4-star Wide Receiver): After a stellar junior season, Darby committed to LSU and is regarded as one of Louisiana’s top wideouts.

• Jakai Anderson (4-star Wide Receiver): Anderson had a breakout season, earning 4A All-State honors and contributing both in the air and on the ground.

• Jalan Chapman (Offensive Lineman): A three-star prospect from New Orleans, Chapman committed to LSU over a host of top programs.

As LSU looks to build on their impressive 2026 recruiting class, the coming months will be pivotal in securing additional talent like Redding.