Key LSU football recruiting target reveals commitment date and finalists
LSU football 2026 target Emanuel Ruffin will announce his college choice on July 4, according to a post from his social media account on Tuesday.
The four-star defensive lineman's top two are Ohio State and LSU. He made official visits to each, Baton Rouge on May 30 and Columbus on June 6. The two schools emerged as his favorites amid a host of Power Four offers, and On3's Prediction Machine lists the Tigers as the favorites.
247 Sports ranks Ruffin the highest out o the major recruiting outlets, slotting him at No. 117 overall and No. 19 at his position. On3's Industry Rankings put the six-foot-3.5, 290 pounder at No. 31 among defensive linemen.
Ruffin would be the second defensive line commitment for LSU in the 2026 cycle, joining five-star Richard Anderson. The Tigers' class currently ranks second in the SEC and fifth nationally with 10 commitments, 90% of which are blue chips.
Head coach Brian Kelly's staff needs new momentum on the recruiting trail following the loss of top quarterback target Bowe Bentley to Oklahoma. Securing Ruffin would provide a spark for the Tigers heading deeper into the summer.
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