LSU Football Defensive Line Target Reveals Commitment to Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tigers remained in the mix down the stretch, reveals pledge to an SEC rival this past weekend.

Warren Central Damien Shanklin (4), Warren Central Marcus Bell Jr. (34), Warren Central Tyrone Burrus Jr. (9), and Warren Central Jerimy Finch Jr. (11) take a minute for a photo as they start their warm up drills as Ben Davis took on Warren Central High School in IHSAA football, Sep 20, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; at Warren Central High School. | Gary Brockman-for IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central three-star defensive lineman JJ Finch revealed a commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide this past weekend after a rigorous recruiting process.

Finch, the No. 1 rated defensive lineman in Indiana, had a myriad of schools in his ear following a standout junior campaign on the prep scene.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder is a Top-50 defensive lineman in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle with an offer list to back it up.

Finch holds scholarships from the likes of LSU, Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan and Tennessee, among several others.

Across the last few months, it had been the hometown Fighting Irish program generating significant buzz, but with the summer months heating up, other schools began making moves.

The highly-touted prospect played with current LSU EDGE, Damien Shanklin, prior to the true freshman defensive lineman signing with the Tigers last December.

Now, with Shanklin already on the roster in Baton Rouge, the program continued looking to pair the former teammates together again for college.

LSU began turning up the heat for Finch and were trending for the talented defensive lineman behind the scenes, according to On3 Sports.

On3 Sports recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong logged an expert prediction in May in favor of the LSU Tigers winning out for Finch's services.

But then there had been a shift in Finch's recruiting process.

The coveted Indiana native was set to officially visit the LSU Tigers in June, but elected to alter his plans.

Finch canceled his multi-day stay in Baton Rouge and then replaced it with the Michigan Wolverines.

Now, after a rollercoaster recruitment, Finch has committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide, a program that quietly continued turning up the heat down the stretch.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 DL JJ Finch has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’2 270 DL from Indianapolis, IN chose the Crimson Tide over Michigan & Tennessee

“#LL3️⃣ #LLTrell 🕊️ Roll Tide 5️⃣L”https://t.co/SESlXDt2oF pic.twitter.com/KXdR2Legbo

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 22, 2025

The Bayou Bengals are cruising in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle with the No. 2 overall class and the No. 1. class in the Southeastern Conference.

LSU currently holds a commitment from the No. 1 defensive lineman in America, Richard Anderson, with the Tigers looking to stack talent alongside him for the future.

The New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr product committed to the Tigers last June.

Anderson earned 5A All-State honors in 2024 after tallying 44 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 18 quarterback hurries, two interceptions and a touchdown in 2024.

The coveted defensive lineman is rated as the No. 2 prospect in Louisiana and a Top-25 overall prospect in America heading into his senior campaign.

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