Baton Rouge, LA – In a significant recruiting coup that underscores his continued influence and persuasive ability, former Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, now leading the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, has successfully secured the commitment of highly touted Tennessee athlete, four-star prospect Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, a versatile talent projected to excel as either a wide receiver or defensive back at the collegiate level, announced his decision late Friday evening, choosing LSU over a final list that prominently featured Freeman’s former program, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The intense recruiting battle for Johnson had been closely followed by national recruiting analysts for months. Both Freeman, leveraging his established reputation as an elite recruiter, and the Notre Dame coaching staff, eager to secure top talent, had made Johnson a priority. Multiple visits, consistent communication, and strong pitches from both programs painted a picture of a tight race for his coveted commitment. Ultimately, Johnson’s decision to pledge allegiance to the LSU Tigers marks a significant victory for Freeman, directly at the expense of his former employer.
Freeman’s departure from Notre Dame in late 2024 to take the head coaching position at LSU sent ripples throughout the college football landscape. While his tenure in South Bend was relatively brief, his impact on their recruiting efforts was undeniable. His ability to forge strong relationships with recruits and articulate a compelling vision for their future clearly resonated with top talent. This latest recruiting triumph involving a player heavily pursued by the Fighting Irish serves as a powerful testament to his continued prowess on the recruiting trail in his new role at LSU.
Kaleb Johnson, hailing from a prominent high school program in Tennessee, is considered one of the top athletes in the 2026 recruiting class. His exceptional speed, agility, and ball skills made him a coveted target for numerous Power Five programs. While Notre Dame’s tradition and national prestige held significant appeal, sources close to Johnson’s recruitment suggest that his strong connection with Freeman and the exciting trajectory of the LSU program under his leadership ultimately swayed his decision.
“Coach Freeman is a genuine person, and I really connected with his vision for me as a player at LSU,” Johnson stated in his commitment announcement. “He believes in my potential on both sides of the ball, and the opportunity to play in the SEC at a program with LSU’s history is something I couldn’t pass up. While I have a lot of respect for Notre Dame and the coaches there, LSU felt like the right fit for me and my family.”
The commitment of a player of Johnson’s caliber is a significant boost to LSU’s 2026 recruiting class and further solidifies Freeman’s early success in attracting top talent to Baton Rouge. It also represents a notable recruiting loss for Notre Dame, who had hoped to add Johnson’s athleticism and versatility to their roster. The fact that they lost out to their former head coach adds an intriguing layer of competition to future matchups between the two programs.
Recruiting analysts are already dissecting the implications of Johnson’s decision, noting the impact of Freeman’s established relationships and the allure of playing in the SEC, known for its high level of competition and exposure to NFL scouts. This victory for LSU also highlights the importance of continuity and personal connections in the recruiting process, even when facing programs with significant national cachet.
The full details of Johnson’s commitment, including the specific position he is projected to play at LSU and the timeline for his official signing, are expected to be revealed in the coming months. For now, this breaking news serves as a clear indication of Marcus Freeman’s continued recruiting dominance and his ability to attract top talent to his new program at LSU, even when directly competing against his former team. The college football world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see the impact of this significant recruiting win on the future trajectories of both the LSU Tigers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
