In the moment of truth, ESPN’s No. 1 player in the 2026 class informed the world he wasn’t leaving Louisiana, committing to LSU as he placed an oversized purple LSU cap over his dreadlocks and unzipped the hoodie to show his LSU chain and gold Tigers shirt.

Five-star defensive tackle Lamar Brown, ESPN's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, announced his commitment to LSU.

BREAKING: Five-Star ATH Lamar Brown has Committed to LSU! The 6’5 280 ATH from Erwinville, LA chose the Tigers over Texas A&M, Texas, & Miami He’s ranked as the No. 1 ATH in the ‘26 Class (per Rivals) “SET IT OFF in the 225” https://t.co/wPYSBOg2NJ pic.twitter.com/dy6vdnaptL

LSU and Brian Kelly are heading toward an elite signing class for the 2026 recruiting cycle following Thursday's commitment from five-star defensive lineman Lamar Brown -- a hometown product out of Baton Rouge and the top-ranked player nationally at his position.

After starting a rise on social media among Texas A&M football fans, a highly coveted five-star defensive tackle swerved away from the Aggies in his final decision. Head coach Mike Elko's impressive defensive recruitment didn't hold up against an SEC foe that offered one thing College Station couldn't: being at home.

Thanks to recruiting insider Billy Tucker, it was revealed that all four fan bases can tune in to ESPN2 at 12:15 p.m. CT on Thursday to watch Brown make one of the most significant choices of the summer.