Lane Kiffin and the Pursuit to become the King of Recruiting

Anthony Parker • May 4, 2026

When Lane Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge at the end of 2025, he came with the title of “Portal King.” He earned this name by consistently evaluating and recruiting high-level talent from the transfer portal and bringing them to Oxford to play for Ole Miss.


Many expected that the level of talent Kiffin could acquire through the portal would take another step forward once he became the head coach at LSU. LSU has always been a school with a strong recruiting base, with one of its greatest advantages being that it is the only Power Four program in the state. Kiffin capitalized on that immediately when the portal opened to start 2026. Lane Kiffin and LSU secured the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class this offseason, landing several players ranked No. 1 at their respective positions.

What many did not expect, however, was Kiffin elevating his high school recruiting to this level. Opportunity can breed success when it is fully embraced. At Ole Miss, the opportunity to consistently recruit elite in-state talent was not as strong as it is in Louisiana. When Kiffin stepped off the plane, his first meetings were with the No. 1 overall player in the nation, Lamar Brown, who attended a high school just minutes from LSU’s campus. Next was the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country, Richard Anderson, who is only about an hour away to the east on I-10. And the 2027 class in Louisiana is not slowing down either.


The Tigers currently hold the No. 7-ranked recruiting class for 2027 with only five commitments so far—and three of those players are from Louisiana. There is still plenty of time left in the cycle. Kiffin and LSU are actively pursuing several elite prospects, including five-star wide receiver and No. 1 overall WR Easton Royal, who plays at Brother Martin in New Orleans—just about an hour from Baton Rouge.


There is still a long way to go until signing day in December, but there should be little doubt that if Kiffin can push this class into the top three and follow it up with another top-10 transfer portal class at the end of the year, he will have a strong case to be considered the current King of Recruiting.


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Football players crouched at the line of scrimmage on a field, wearing white uniforms and gold helmets.

Transfer Portal Spotlight: Ryan Mickow

By Patrick Harkness • July 31, 2026
OT 
Ryan Mickow- BC 
Ryan Mickow fits Tulane as a 6’7”, 317-pound versatile offensive tackle with proven ACC experience at both right and left tackle, elite length/leverage, and immediate starting potential who anchors a revamped offensive line needing size, physicality, and competition after multiple key departures. 
He’s a redshirt junior transfer from Boston College (ACC) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered January 5). A three-star high school recruit out of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL), he has two years of eligibility remaining (#58). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall and OL coach Cody Kennedy) demands tackles who can handle both run-blocking in the trenches and pass protection on the edge in their system. Mickow is a natural fit as the new right tackle. 
• Size and length: Massive 6’7”/317 frame with long arms and a strong base that creates natural leverage and mismatches against edge rushers, ideal for dominating at the point of attack and sealing the edge in Tulane’s run game. 
• Versatility and experience: Played both RT and LT at BC, plus extra OL packages. Proven special teams contributor (field goal/PAT protection). Shows football IQ and adaptability in a Power-conference environment, exactly what Tulane targeted to stabilize the line. 
• Physicality and intangibles: High school multi-positional OL (LT/RT/C) experience on back-to-back state title teams demonstrates technique and toughness. National Honor Society member who brings leadership and smarts to the room. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane Green Wave football card for Jordyn Crites in blue uniform and helmet

Class of 2026 Spotlight: 
Jordyn Crites

By Patrick Harkness • July 31, 2026
DE 
Jordyn Crites- @JordynCrites26 6-7/274 Friendswood, TX 
Jordyn Crites is a towering defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Friendswood, Texas, class of 2026. 
Standing at 6-7 and weighing 274 pounds, Crites combines exceptional length with athleticism, making him a disruptive force on the edge or interior. 
He signed with Tulane on December 3, 2025, after committing on June 14, 2025, choosing the Green Wave over 16 FBS offers, including Power 4 programs like Baylor, TCU, Oregon State, Texas Tech, and others such as Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, North Texas, Rice, San Diego State, Tulsa, UNLV, and UTEP. 
Crites transferred to Friendswood after attending Edmond Memorial in Oklahoma for his freshman and sophomore years, where he began building his profile. 
He also played tight end, showcasing versatility, but his future is on defense. Crites was noted as a “riser” in recruiting circles. 
His recruitment heated up with official visits to TCU, Tulane, and Baylor in June 2025. Crites was praised for his potential as one of the top defensive linemen from Texas, with Power 4 interest. 
Scouting Report: 
Frame and Length: Enormous wingspan and height make him a mismatch nightmare, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and engulf ball carriers. His reach helps in shedding blocks and maintaining leverage. 
Power and Hand Usage: Violent, heavy hands at the point of attack; primary move is a pure power rush that overwhelms offensive linemen. He can swim and dodge as counters, showing developing technique. 
Athleticism and Bend: Exceptional bend for his size, allowing him to break down in the backfield and pursue with speed. His 4.8 40 and vertical translate to explosive get-off and closing burst. 
Motor and Production: High-motor player who lives in the backfield, generating sacks, hurries, and numerous tackles for loss (TFLs). Effective against both run and pass, with a dynamic presence that wrecks games. 
Versatility and Upside: Two-way experience (DE/TE), with unreal potential due to size, power, and athleticism. He’s come into his own recently, suggesting continued growth. 
Intangibles: Strong academics, track background, and resilience shown in transferring schools. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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