As LSU football continues its resurgence under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have set their sights on building a championship-caliber roster that can compete at the highest level. One key position that the Tigers have consistently sought to strengthen is safety, a critical position in today’s pass-heavy college football landscape. And in 2026, LSU could have a chance to secure a game-changer for their secondary: **Trey Holley**, the nation’s top safety prospect, who has already generated a buzz in recruiting circles. But will the Tigers be able to land this elite talent and continue their upward trajectory?
As we take a closer look at the state of LSU’s recruiting efforts, let’s break down why Holley is such a coveted recruit, why LSU is in the mix, and what the Tigers’ chances are of signing him in 2026.
### Who is Trey Holley?
Trey Holley is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound safety from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a stone’s throw away from LSU’s campus. As the No. 1 safety prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, Holley’s skill set has made him a national priority for college programs across the country. Holley is known for his exceptional football IQ, athleticism, and playmaking ability, all traits that make him a potential future first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
What separates Holley from many other high school safeties is his rare combination of size and speed. He possesses excellent range and can cover the entire field, whether it’s tracking down a deep ball or stepping up in the run game. His ball skills are elite—he has the ability to locate the ball at its highest point and make interceptions in crucial moments. Holley is also a hard hitter, bringing an edge to the position that few players possess. His leadership on and off the field makes him even more appealing to coaching staffs looking to build a secondary that can shut down both the run and pass.
Holley’s recruitment has attracted a who’s who of college football powerhouses, making this a high-stakes battle for every team involved. For LSU, landing a player of Holley’s caliber could be the missing piece in a defense that is already showing promise under Brian Kelly’s system.
### LSU’s Recruiting Success Under Brian Kelly
Since taking over as head coach in 2022, Brian Kelly has made significant strides in reshaping LSU’s recruiting landscape. While LSU has historically recruited well, Kelly has brought a more organized and disciplined approach to the recruiting process, particularly in developing relationships with in-state prospects. Holley, being from Baton Rouge, is someone Kelly and his staff are very familiar with, and they have worked hard to maintain a close connection with the highly-touted safety.
Under Kelly, LSU has been able to secure some top-tier talent, most notably in the 2023 and 2024 classes. The Tigers’ ability to recruit at a national level while also locking down Louisiana’s best prospects has been key to their success. With the 2026 class on the horizon, LSU’s foundation for success is only getting stronger.
One of Kelly’s key recruiting strategies has been making LSU an attractive destination for elite in-state talent. This is particularly important when it comes to players like Holley, who are likely to be heavily recruited by out-of-state programs. Having LSU’s head coach consistently involved in his recruitment, paired with the Tigers’ impressive on-field success, gives LSU a distinct edge in this battle.
In addition to Kelly’s leadership, LSU’s track record of developing defensive backs speaks for itself. The Tigers have produced a number of NFL-caliber safeties and cornerbacks, including Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Jamal Adams, just to name a few. Holley likely sees LSU as a program that can help him reach his full potential and prepare for the NFL.
### The Competition: Who Else is in the Mix?
As much as LSU would love to secure Holley’s commitment, they are by no means the only team in the race. Holley has received interest from some of the top programs across the country, including perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. These programs also offer a combination of elite coaching, national exposure, and the chance to compete for championships—all factors that make them attractive to any elite prospect.
– **Alabama**: Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has been a dominant force in recruiting defensive backs, and they have long had a reputation for developing players into NFL-ready stars. The Crimson Tide will undoubtedly be in the mix for Holley’s services, as they have the tradition, coaching staff, and national prominence that can lure top in-state talent away from LSU.
– **Georgia**: Defending national champions and a program that has consistently produced top-tier defensive backs, Georgia is another major player in Holley’s recruitment. Kirby Smart has built Georgia into a juggernaut, and their success on the field combined with their defensive pedigree could make them a tough contender for Holley.
– **Ohio State**: Known for its explosive offense, Ohio State has also made strides on the defensive side of the ball in recent years. Their recruiting prowess extends across the country, and Holley is no exception. The Buckeyes could offer Holley a chance to compete for national titles while developing his skills in one of the most respected programs in the nation.
Despite the stiff competition, LSU has several factors working in its favor that could tip the scales in their direction.
### LSU’s Recruiting Advantage with Holley
1. **In-State Advantage**: Holley’s proximity to Baton Rouge gives LSU a natural advantage in his recruitment. While national programs like Alabama and Georgia will certainly make their pitch, Holley has deep roots in Louisiana, and that connection to home could play a major role in his decision. LSU’s presence in his local community and the school’s relationship with his family cannot be overstated.
2. **Defensive Culture**: LSU has long been known for producing dominant defenses, and the school’s rich history of sending defensive backs to the NFL could be a huge selling point for Holley. LSU is a program that has a strong reputation for developing players into high-round draft picks, particularly on defense. Holley is no exception—he knows that if he commits to LSU, he’ll be stepping into a program that has the resources and coaching staff to get him to the next level.
3. **Brian Kelly’s Relationship with Players**: While Kelly is still relatively new to the SEC, his reputation as a builder of programs and his ability to connect with players on a personal level have earned him significant respect. Holley will not only be considering the football program at LSU but also the type of relationship he could have with his future head coach. Kelly’s approach to developing well-rounded student-athletes could be a key differentiator in this recruitment.
4. **Immediate Impact Opportunity**: LSU’s defense is on the rise, but there is still room for improvement. Holley could come in and make an immediate impact in the Tigers’ secondary. With LSU’s need for top-tier playmakers in the defensive backfield, Holley could see early playing time and an opportunity to become one of the faces of the defense.
### What Will Holley’s Decision Come Down To?
At the end of the day, Holley’s decision will come down to a combination of factors: the program’s ability to develop him as a player, the chance to compete for championships, and the relationship he has with the coaching staff. While LSU has a strong case, Holley will likely take his time to weigh all of his options before making his commitment.
If LSU can continue its momentum on the field, maintain strong relationships with Holley and his family, and sell him on their vision for the future, the Tigers could very well land the nation’s top safety in 2026.
### Conclusion
As the 2026 recruiting class heats up, LSU is in a strong position to sign Trey Holley, the nation’s top safety. While the competition will be fierce, LSU has the home-field advantage, a strong football culture, and an emerging defense under Brian Kelly. If the Tigers can leverage these strengths, they may just secure a game-changing safety for their secondary and continue their rise as one of the top programs in college football. Time will tell, but Holley’s recruitment will be one to watch closely as LSU looks to build its future on defense.