The college football recruiting world was rocked today as 5-star quarterback Jaxon “Bengal” Reed officially decommitted from his long-standing pledge to the Cincinnati Bearcats, announcing instead that he will join the LSU Tigers. The move comes as a shock to insiders, especially given that Reed also turned down recent hard pushes from Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia—three of the SEC’s premier powerhouses.
🔥 The Stunning Decision
Jaxon Reed, the nation’s No. 2 quarterback and a consensus top-10 overall recruit in the Class of 2026, had been committed to Cincinnati for nearly a year. His pledge was seen as a symbol of the Bearcats’ growing recruiting clout under their new coaching staff. But with today’s announcement, Reed shifts the balance of power in SEC recruiting.
“I’ve thought long and hard about where I can grow as a player and person,” Reed said in his social media statement. “LSU felt like home. The culture, the vision, the brotherhood — I’m all in.”
🏈 Why LSU?
✅ Brian Kelly’s program: Reed cited LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s reputation for developing quarterbacks and preparing them for the NFL as a key factor.
✅ Offensive scheme fit: Sources close to Reed say he was drawn to the Tigers’ high-powered, QB-friendly offense.
✅ Family ties and Southern roots: Reed’s family has deep ties in Louisiana, adding another layer of appeal.
🌪️ The Fallout
- Cincinnati loses its crown jewel of the 2026 class — a major blow as the program tries to stay nationally relevant.
- Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee all considered frontrunners during Reed’s re-evaluation. LSU’s late surge caught many off guard.
- LSU jumps in class rankings, moving closer to securing a top 3 national recruiting class for 2026.
🔮 What’s Next
Jaxon Reed plans to enroll early at LSU in January 2026. His commitment could spark additional high-profile flips or commitments in LSU’s favor, particularly from receivers and offensive linemen eager to play with a top-tier QB.
Expect rival SEC programs to intensify their efforts on remaining elite QB targets — and possibly make late pitches to Reed in hopes of prying him loose before signing day.
🏁 Bottom Line
Jaxon Reed’s flip to LSU is one of the most dramatic recruiting twists in recent memory. It not only strengthens the Tigers’ future but also reshapes the 2026 recruiting battles across the SEC. LSU’s quarterback room just got a lot more exciting — and its rivals have been put on notice.
