Highly touted Irmo SC recruit commits to Lane Kiffin, LSU football
Jaiden Bryant made his college pick known Saturday.
The Irmo High junior defensive lineman picked LSU in an announcement during the fourth quarter of the Under Armour All-American game in Deland, Florida. The game is for the top juniors and seniors in the country. Bryant was one of two Irmo players in the game, with teammate Nate Carson also selected.
“Go Tigers, Lane Train,” Bryant said on the televised announcement after he pulled out a gray LSU hat from a bag.
Bryant picked LSU over Alabama, Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Texas A&M. He took recruiting visits almost every weekend during the fall. South Carolina was in the mix but fell behind others after defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas left for LSU.
Bryant’s connection with Lucas, who recruited him when he was at South Carolina, played a big role in the decision.
“The connection I had with coach Sterling Lucas and him leaving South Carolina and going to LSU. It just made my recruitment process very easy,” Bryant said. “I had that good connection, and it was a good fit for me.”
The commitment of Bryant is the third for new coach Lane Kiffin, who left Ole Miss for the Tigers’ job last month.
“He is the type of coach that stands on business,” Bryant said of Kiffin. “He is the type of coach that is going to make me a better player on and off the field. That is the coach I want to be coached under.”
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Bryant is regarded as a four-star prospect by recruiting services and ranked as the No. 11 player in the country for the Class of 2027 by On3/Rivals.
Bryant had a big junior season in helping the Yellow Jackets to their second straight state championship game. This year, he had 79 tackles (23 tackles for loss) and 11 sacks, blocked two punts, had an interception and scored three touchdowns.
This story was originally published January 3, 2026 at 6:16 PM.
