LSU and new head coach Lane Kiffin suffered a significant recruiting setback Friday.
Blue-chip offensive tackle Bryson Cooley flipped his commitment to Alabama just days after the start of National Signing Day.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound standout from West Jones (Miss.), had been committed to the Tigers since July. But the late-season uncertainty in Baton Rouge, including Brian Kelly’s firing and Kiffin’s arrival, opened the door for Alabama to make a renewed push. The Crimson Tide capitalized by securing a key piece for their 2026 class.
BREAKING: Four-Star OT Bryson Cooley has Flipped his Commitment from LSU to Alabama, he tells me for @rivals ⁰⁰The 6’6 330 OT had been Committed to the Tigers since July⁰⁰He’s a Top 150 Recruit in the 2026 Rivals300⁰⁰ https://t.co/4n8sHRAYFX pic.twitter.com/49oGol5e24
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 5, 2025
Alabama ultimately closed due to long-standing relationships and its development track record. Cooley previously praised the Tide’s ability to prepare linemen for the NFL and cited his connection with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic as a deciding factor.
“I’m looking for a place that can develop me and help me better myself daily,” Cooley told On3 earlier this year.
Rivals slots Cooley at No. 134 nationally and the 15th offensive tackle. He's now the Tide's highest-rated O-lineman for the 2026 class.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Leaked NSFW audio exposes Penn State AD Pat Kraft’s identity crisis in Happy Valley
- Diego Pavia asks Donald Trump to fix the College Football Playoff