Four-star recruit Jackson Vaughn announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Wednesday, ending a brief flirtation with LSU that had seemed promising just weeks earlier.
A Recruit's Decision
Vaughn, who had been slated for the 2028 cycle, accelerated his timeline in late April, moving into the 2027 class where he is listed among the top five prospects in New Jersey and No. 25 nationally at his position by Rivals' Industry Rankings.
The pledge marks a setback for LSU, whose 2027 recruiting cohort currently sits at No. 10 in the nation and No. 5 within the SEC. Coach Lane Kiffin, who has been emphasizing both roster development and high‑school recruiting, acknowledged the loss but said the program remains focused on building depth.
While LSU had hosted Vaughn on official visits and made a late push, the player ultimately chose the Fighting Irish, a program that has been a frequent destination for top talent from the Northeast.
Vaughn will spend his senior year at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, where he has been a standout on both sides of the ball.