No. 1 Defensive Lineman in America, Elite LSU Football Commit Could Delay Signing

New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr five-star defensive lineman Richard Anderson has remained one of the most coveted prospects on the recruiting scene this fall despite a verbal commitment to the LSU Tigers.

Anderson, the No. 1 defensive lineman in America, revealed a pledge to the LSU Tigers in June of 2024, but programs have stayed in contact amid a recent coaching change in Baton Rouge.

The 6-foot-4, 335-pounder 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 last fall.

Now, as he navigates a strong senior season for his prep squad, Anderson has the attention of evaluators across the country.

The LSU commit has now been elevated to five-star status, according to Rivals, where he comes in as a Top-25 prospect in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle.

LSU Tigers Football: Richard Anderson. — Courtesy of Richard Anderson's Instagram.

"Explosive interior defensive lineman with immense power and ability to two-gap in the middle of the defensive front," Rivals wrote. "Verified size at 6-foot-3.5, 355 pounds with over 33-inch arms and carries the weight very well. Great burst off the line of scrimmage for his size. Plays with excellent pad level and vision into the backfield.

"Understands leverage and sheds blocks with ease. Totaled 15 tackles-for-loss as a junior along with 10 sacks. Will need to to maintain quality combination of size and movement skills as he continues to physically develop. Older for the cycle. Projects as a space-eating, two-gap nose tackle at the next level but has the athletic ability to one-gap if needed."

The Early Signing Period kicks off on Wednesday where Anderson revealed to Rivals that he has shut things down and will sign with the LSU Tigers.

But a Tuesday report from ESPN 104.5 Baton Rouge states that Anderson is "likely to delay" signing with a school.

"Anderson had a phone conversation Tuesday morning with Lane Kiffin and Blake Baker," the report states. "Due to the lack of certainty around his position coach and whether or not interim head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson will be on staff, Anderson could be delaying his decision.

"Wilson has served as Anderson’s primary recruiter. Kyle Williams is currently the Tigers defensive line coach, but it is unclear if he will be retained."

NEW: Five-star DT Richard Anderson likely delays LSU signing 🐯👀

Texas continues to make a push. Early signing day is tomorrow...#LSU

More Here 🔗 https://t.co/1szbdufXhi pic.twitter.com/v2yXb9MJwP
— 104.5 ESPN (@1045espn) December 2, 2025

It's a massive development in LSU's 2026 Recruiting Class with the Tigers looking to keep the No. 1 defensive lineman in America locked in amid a push from the Texas Longhorns.

Now, all eyes turn to Kiffin and Co. heading into the Early Signing Period on Wednesday with significant movement set to occur with LSU also trending for flip targets in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle.

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