Chelsea Reinhardt
By Matt Moscona
Richard Anderson, the No.1 defensive tackle in the country, is not expected to sign with LSU during Wednesday’s early signing period, according to a source close to Anderson.
Anderson had a phone conversation Tuesday morning with Lane Kiffin and Blake Baker. Due to the lack of certainty around his position coach and whether or not interim head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson will be on staff, Anderson could be delaying his decision. Wilson has served as Anderson’s primary recruiter. Kyle Williams is currently the Tigers defensive line coach, but it is unclear if he will be retained.
Kiffin was asked about his coaching staff at Monday’s press conference and was non-committal.
“(Anderson) will use December to build the relationship and see how the staff settles,” the source close to Anderson said.
Wilson worked on Kiffin’s Tennessee staff in 2009. According to multiple sources, Kiffin would like to bring Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith to Baton Rouge, however, Smith has remained in Oxford while weighing his decision. Smith’s wife visited Baton Rouge Monday, LouisianaSports.net has learned.
Texas has recently ramped up its push to flip the 6-foot-3, 350 pound lineman. Anderson took an official visit with the Longhorns two weeks ago.
On Sunday, Rivals reported Anderson affirmed his commitment to LSU and was shutting down his recruitment. Now, he has apparently had a change of heart. Anderson committed to LSU on June 21, 2024.
The source said Anderson expects to visit LSU again in January before making a final decision. At that time, he will sign his financial aid agreement and enroll in school for the spring semester.
Anderson is the second-highest rated prospect among LSU’s 15 commitments for the 2026 class.
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