In a stunning twist that has sent ripples through college football recruiting circles, 2026 four-star linebacker Keenan Harris, a standout at St. Louis University High School, has committed to LSU, choosing the Tigers over his home-state Missouri team. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 220 pounds, Harris is renowned for his versatility, excelling as both a linebacker and safety. He amassed 108 total tackles, including 26 tackles for loss, along with three interceptions during his junior season, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability .([si.com][1], [si.com][2])
Harris had previously included Missouri in his final list of eight schools, alongside programs like Oregon, Oklahoma, and Illinois. His decision to join LSU marks a significant shift, as he had been a top target for the Tigers, with head coach Eli Drinkwitz emphasizing in-state recruiting. Despite this, Harris ultimately opted for the Bayou Bengals, a move that has surprised many given his local ties .([si.com][1], [si.com][3])
LSU’s defensive coordinator, Corey Batoon, is expected to utilize Harris’s multifaceted skills to bolster the Tigers’ defense. Harris’s ability to play various positions, including linebacker and safety, aligns well with LSU’s defensive schemes, offering them flexibility and depth. His commitment adds to LSU’s already impressive 2026 recruiting class, which includes top-tier talents like five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood .([yardbarker.com][4], [lsu.rivals.com][5])
This unexpected development underscores the unpredictable nature of college football recruiting, where even local prospects can choose to play far from home. Harris’s commitment to LSU is a testament to the program’s national appeal and its ability to attract elite talent from across the country.
[1]: https://www.si.com/college/minnesota/gophers-recruiting/gophers-make-top-eight-for-2026-four-star-safety-keenan-harris-01jkkv9bp56r?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Gophers make top eight for 2026 four-star safety Keenan Harris”
[2]: https://www.si.com/high-school/missouri/oregon-visit-in-january-possible-top-schools-in-february-for-4-star-db-ath-keenan-harris-01jf65701bgt?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Possible top schools in February for 4-Star ATH Keenan Harris.”
[3]: https://www.si.com/college/missouri/football/mizzou-makes-final-schools-list-for-local-4-star-recruit-01jkkx1zpzek?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mizzou Makes Final Schools List for Local 4-Star Recruit”
[4]: https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/recruiting_rundown_missouri_lands_in_top_schools_for_top_prospects/s1_17065_41754380?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Recruiting Rundown: Missouri Lands in Top Schools for Top Prospects | Yardbarker”
[5]: https://lsu.rivals.com/news/lsu-s-2025-recruiting-class-is-going-to-be-special?utm_source=chatgpt.com “lsu.rivals.com
/news/lsu-…”
