LSU’s 2026 recruiting class may soon get another major boost, as 4-star tight end prospect Elijah Garner is trending heavily toward committing to the Tigers. Garner, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound standout from Buford, Georgia, has been one of the most sought-after tight ends in the country, drawing interest from top SEC and Big Ten programs. Now, momentum appears to be squarely in LSU’s favor.
Garner’s combination of size, athleticism, and route-running ability has made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. He’s been a focal point in Buford’s high-powered offense, showing strong hands and the versatility to line up both in-line and in the slot. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Ohio State have extended offers, but sources close to Garner say LSU has separated itself with a consistent recruiting pitch, a clear development plan, and tight positional relationships.
“They’ve treated me like a priority since day one,” Garner recently said in an interview. “Coach (Brian) Kelly and Coach (Cortez) Hankton talk with me constantly. They’ve shown me how I can be used like their past tight ends, and how LSU is building something special.”
Garner visited Baton Rouge twice this spring and is expected to return for a third unofficial visit later this month