5-Star quarterback shocks college football world with shocking decommitment from Bengal flips commitment to LSU tigers over powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia Bulldogs.
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jayson “J.T.” Randall has announced his decommitment from the Bengal program and flipped his commitment to the LSU Tigers, stunning coaches, analysts, and fans alike. Randall, widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, had previously pledged to the Bengal program just months ago in what was thought to be a long-term and stable relationship. However, his surprise announcement on social media has completely upended the recruiting narrative and instantly elevated LSU’s 2026 class to one of the most dangerous in the nation.
Randall’s recruitment had always been high-profile, with virtually every major program in America lining up for his services. Hailing from Buford, Georgia, and standing at 6-foot-4 with a cannon arm, pinpoint accuracy, and elite mobility, he has drawn comparisons to former LSU legend Joe Burrow and current NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. At the Elite 11 camp this spring, he dazzled scouts with deep-ball precision, command at the line of scrimmage, and leadership qualities rarely seen in high school prospects. His previous commitment to Bengal came as a bit of a surprise in itself, with the quarterback citing a desire to “build something new” at a lesser-known program. But with the firestorm of attention continuing to swirl and the resurgence of several top-tier SEC teams, it was only a matter of time before change brewed.
Sources close to the situation say LSU head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan were relentless in their pursuit of Randall, emphasizing not only the Tigers’ storied history of quarterback success but also the system they’ve built to let dynamic quarterbacks thrive. Randall was reportedly blown away by LSU’s spring practices and their investment in quarterback development. The Tigers’ high-octane offense and return to national title contention under Kelly made Baton Rouge an increasingly attractive destination.
What shocked many across the recruiting landscape was not just the decommitment itself, but who Randall chose to spurn. Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia had been among the final contenders and were considered likely landing spots if Randall ever reopened his recruitment. The Crimson Tide, despite a recent coaching transition following Nick Saban’s retirement, had pushed hard and were believed to have made a strong impression with their new coaching staff. Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel has been widely recognized as one of the most quarterback-friendly in college football, and many insiders pegged Knoxville as the favorite. And the Georgia Bulldogs, Randall’s home-state team and back-to-back national champions just a few years ago, had made him their top quarterback priority. To see LSU emerge victorious over these heavyweights has left many analysts re-evaluating the power dynamics in SEC recruiting.
Randall’s flip gives LSU an elite cornerstone around which to build their 2026 class. His commitment is expected to have a ripple effect, potentially pulling in several top-tier offensive weapons from across the Southeast. Already, highly-touted wide receiver JaMarcus Wells and five-star offensive tackle DJ Hunter have voiced renewed interest in LSU following Randall’s announcement. This type of momentum could very well result in LSU leapfrogging Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State for the No. 1 overall class when all is said and done.
The reaction from around the college football world has been swift. Bengal head coach Marcus Allen released a brief statement acknowledging Randall’s departure, thanking him for his time and wishing him well. However, insiders suggest the program is reeling, having built much of its 2026 class and offensive future around Randall. “It’s a gut punch,” said one anonymous assistant. “We knew other schools were circling, but we didn’t expect the flip to come so soon—or to LSU.”
For LSU fans, though, the feeling is pure euphoria. Baton Rouge exploded on social media within minutes of Randall’s commitment graphic being posted, showing him in full LSU purple and gold with the caption: “Geaux Time.” The Tigers have long been known for producing elite defensive talent, but this move signals a full evolution into a quarterback-dominant era. With Randall in the fold, LSU’s chances at securing a national title in the coming years just became significantly more real.
Randall’s decision also speaks volumes about the changing nature of college football recruiting. The advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, increased player mobility, and high-profile quarterback coaching have made commitments more fluid and less predictable. While Randall insists his decision was “100 percent football,” the opportunities awaiting him in Baton Rouge—on and off the field—likely played a role. Sources confirm that LSU’s NIL collective had built a comprehensive support plan for Randall, aligning with LSU’s growing reputation as one of the most forward-thinking programs in player marketing and branding.
For Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, the loss of Randall is a bitter pill to swallow. Each of these programs had poured considerable resources into recruiting the talented signal-caller, and his decision to bypass all three for a conference rival is seen as a major win for LSU and a painful reminder of the volatility in modern recruiting. Georgia, in particular, had viewed Randall as the heir apparent to their quarterback lineage, and sources within the program suggest there is considerable disappointment within their coaching staff.
Despite the tension and speculation, Randall has remained composed and focused. In a brief interview following his announcement, he told reporters: “This wasn’t about the biggest name or the flashiest offer. This was about where I felt most prepared to grow as a quarterback and as a leader. LSU just felt like home. The system, the coaches, the culture—it all fit. I’ve made my decision, and I’m all in.”
His words may be few, but the implications are massive. In just a matter of hours, LSU’s future became clearer, and arguably brighter. With one move, the Tigers added a face to their program, a leader to their locker room, and a star that could very well define the next era of college football dominance in Baton Rouge.
