A Recruiting Blow
LSU's hopes for a dominant offensive line took a hit when four-star recruit Caden Moss announced his commitment to Ohio State, a move first reported by Rivals analyst Hayes Fawcett.
Moss, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, was rated the top prospect from his state and No. 45 overall in the 2027 cycle. He chose the Buckeyes over a final slate that included Kentucky and Oregon, capping a recruitment that had once centered on Lane Kiffin.
The coach who originally pursued Moss at Ole Miss continued the pursuit after moving to LSU, arranging an official visit to Baton Rouge in March. Despite that personal connection, the Ohio State staff, led by head coach Ryan Day, secured the player's signature.
Moss's decision adds to a string of recent misses for the Tigers. Earlier in the cycle, LSU lost five-star guard Albert Simien to Notre Dame and four-star tackle Kal-El Johnson to Georgia Tech, both of which were confirmed by the same recruiting analyst.
A Class Still in the Mix
While the losses sting, the program's 2027 recruiting class remains robust. Industry rankings still place LSU among the nation's top programs, and the coaching staff continues to chase other high‑profile targets to offset the setbacks.
The ripple effect of Moss's choice will be felt especially on the offensive line, where depth will need to be replenished through transfers or additional signees. Rivals' industry rankings still list Moss as the premier Mississippi recruit, underscoring the significance of the missed opportunity.