The race for the nation’s No. 1 quarterback is heating up, and LSU is firmly in the mix. Five-star signal-caller Jalen Reese, widely regarded as the top quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, continues to evaluate his options as a wave of powerhouse programs make their final push. With a commitment decision expected within the coming months, Reese’s recruitment has become one of the most closely watched sagas in college football circles.
Reese, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback from Texas powerhouse Cedar Hill High School, has dazzled scouts with his poise, elite arm strength, and leadership qualities. In a junior campaign that saw him throw for over 3,800 yards and 42 touchdowns, he demonstrated why he’s the consensus No. 1 QB in the country. His ability to stretch the field, make off-schedule plays, and read defenses with maturity beyond his years has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like C.J. Stroud and Deshaun Watson.
The LSU Tigers have made Reese a top priority. Head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan have been in steady contact, pitching the quarterback-friendly system in Baton Rouge and the program’s recent success in developing elite talent. The Tigers believe Reese could be the next great one in a lineage that includes names like Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels.
“I’ve built a strong relationship with the LSU staff,” Reese said during a recent interview. “They’ve made it clear how much they believe in me and how I could fit into their offense. It’s definitely something I’m taking seriously.”
Still, LSU faces stiff competition. Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and USC are also making aggressive pushes. Each program offers strong selling points—Georgia’s winning culture, Alabama’s track record of quarterback development, Texas’s in-state proximity and NIL resources, and USC’s offensive flair under Lincoln Riley.
Recruiting analysts believe LSU has positioned itself well but will need to continue pushing hard in the final stages.
“LSU is absolutely in this,” said national recruiting analyst Marcus Simmons. “They’ve done a great job establishing trust with Jalen and showing a clear plan for his development. But the field is deep, and it’s going to come down to how these next few months unfold.”
Reese is expected to take official visits to LSU, Texas, and USC before narrowing his decision. Sources close to the situation say a commitment could come before the end of the calendar year—likely after the high school season concludes.
Wherever he lands, Jalen Reese is seen as a game-changer who could shape the future of a program. For LSU fans, hopes are high that Baton Rouge becomes the final destination for the nation’s most coveted quarterback.
Until then, the college football world waits, watches, and wonders where the next elite QB will call home.