Up until now, we have at least two prominent On3 writers who logged in their predictions for LSU Tigers to land one of the top wide receivers in the 2026 recruiting class. To that, add a bonus push-for-flip for this Mike Elko’s 26’ commit. In the ever-evolving chess match of SEC recruiting, the biggest threats don’t always come from afar—sometimes, they lurk within the conference, waiting for the right moment to strike. And Brian Kelly isn’t just waiting. The Tigers have been aggressive, using the momentum to not only build depth but actively hunt for flips, even from conference rivals.
That player is Aaron Gregory, a four-star wide receiver out of Douglasville, Georgia, who committed to the Texas A&M Aggies last fall. Gregory, one of the nation’s top-10 wideouts in the 2026 class, made his pledge public in October, appearing locked in with Texas A&M. But in the SEC, verbal commitments are often just placeholders for an ongoing recruitment war. LSU and even Elko’s in-state rivals, the Texas Longhorns, have refused to back down, with the Tigers in particular going all-in on their pursuit. Gregory remains one of their highest-priority targets, and despite his allegiance to A&M, the chase is far from over.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound playmaker has all the tools to be a game-changer at the next level, and Brian Kelly’s staff sees him as a perfect fit in Baton Rouge. Gregory has already felt the full-court press from LSU. “LSU is coming after me really hard—real hard,” he admitted. The Tigers’ wide receivers coach, Cortez Hankton, has been the primary recruiter, and his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. “Coach Hankton is just a down-to-earth dude. I have a great bond with him. He feels like family to me.” That connection has helped LSU position itself as a real threat to flip the elite prospect, and with an official visit scheduled for June, the Tigers aren’t letting up.
The aggressive approach mirrors how Brian Kelly and his staff have operated since arriving in Baton Rouge—no longer just filling voids but actively stockpiling talent and depth at key positions. Aaron Gregory has already had a taste of what LSU has to offer. Last March, he visited Baton Rouge and got a firsthand look at the Tigers’ operation. “I liked the practice and conversation with the coaches,” he recalled. “Breaking down film with Coach (Joe) Sloan and Coach (Cortez) Hankton was a great learning opportunity.” But what stood out most? The presence of Brian Kelly himself.
Great visit at WR-U! Thank you to everyone for your time and hospitality. #development #brotherhood pic.twitter.com/1VRvwGKSul
— Aaron Gregory (@AaronGregory_07) March 10, 2024
“Coach (Brian) Kelly has been in the game for a minute, so definitely a great football mind to have as a head coach.” Gregory’s respect for Kelly’s pedigree adds another layer to LSU’s pursuit, making this an even bigger challenge for Elko and A&M to fend off. For LSU, this recruitment isn’t just about adding another weapon—it’s about stacking talent at a position that was once a weakness.
With the Tigers boasting the No. 3 ranked 2026 class in the country and the top-ranked class in the SEC, the rich keep getting richer. They’ve already secured commitments from a pair of in-state wide receivers but remain relentless in their pursuit of elite pass-catchers like Gregory.
Elko and Texas A&M, meanwhile, are playing defense in a battle that won’t be decided until signing day. The Aggies made a strong impression on Gregory last fall, enough for him to commit, but now they’ll have to reinforce that decision at every turn.
Brian Kelly declares war on elite WRs in the 26’ class
The Peach State star, Aaron Gregory, a standout from Georgia, shocked many when he committed to Texas A&M over powerhouse programs like LSU and the hometown Georgia Bulldogs. But if you think that means those schools are backing off, think again. According to On3 Sports, LSU, Texas, and Florida State are still pushing hard to flip the No. 6 WR in his class from the Aggies’ grasp.
Meanwhile, LSU is also gaining traction with another blue-chip wideout—Ethan “Boobie” Feaster. On3’s Chad Simmons and Steve Wiltfong both believe the Tigers are now the leader for the four-star talent. Feaster, a Texas native out of DeSoto High School, is one of the most electric playmakers in the country.
Currently ranked as the No. 4 wide receiver in the class, Feaster’s stock continues to rise. ESPN and Rivals have him even higher, listing him as the No. 3 WR in the nation. If LSU lands the pair, it would be a massive win for Kelly and his staff. You could then very well say the JJettas and Chase combination is brewing up in Death Valley once again.
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