News Summary
Four-star wide receiver Jakai Anderson has moved his commitment from the LSU Tigers to the SMU Mustangs. This key decision may influence the recruiting dynamics for both programs. Anderson, a standout talent from Louisiana, previously committed to LSU but reassessed his position due to increased competition. His transfer marks a significant addition to the Mustangs as they aim to strengthen their roster with his exceptional skills.
New Orleans – Four-star wide receiver Jakai Anderson has officially transferred his commitment from the LSU Tigers to the SMU Mustangs, a move announced on Saturday, March 18, 2025. This decision marks a pivotal shift in Anderson’s recruitment and has the potential to affect the recruiting strategies of both teams significantly.
Previously committed to LSU since June 2024, Anderson is considered one of the top prospects in the state of Louisiana for the 2026 recruiting cycle. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, he is currently rated as the No. 3 wide receiver in Louisiana, as well as the No. 8 overall player in the state. His impressive performance in high school—recording 57 receptions for 972 yards and 14 touchdowns during his junior season—has attracted attention from multiple collegiate programs.
Apart from his receptions, Anderson demonstrated his versatility on the field by rushing for an additional 151 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns on just 16 carries. He also showcased his talents as a return specialist, amassing 7 return touchdowns, which further solidified his reputation as a multi-talented athlete.
This shift in commitment follows LSU’s recent success in securing pledges from several high-profile wide receivers in the 2026 class, causing Anderson to reassess his future with the team. With commitments from players like Tristen Keys, Jabari Mack, and Kenny Darby, the competition at LSU is intensifying. Coach Brian Kelly and his staff are focused on developing a robust wide receiver corps as they look to the future, but Anderson’s departure represents a potential setback in their recruiting strategy.
As Anderson joins SMU, his addition contributes to a growing class for the Mustangs, which includes other four-star commitments. His performances at prominent summer camps, such as the OT7 in Dallas, have been pivotal in showcasing his ability to make impactful plays from various offensive roles, indicating a promising collegiate career ahead.
Anderson’s decision to switch his commitment may have significant implications not just on the field, but also within the recruiting landscape of college football. As he transitions to SMU, the team is eager to leverage his talents to enhance their offensive capabilities and broaden their competitiveness in the college football ranks.
In summary, Jakai Anderson’s commitment to SMU is a notable development in college football recruiting, particularly within Louisiana. His skilled profile and illustrious high school performance make him a valuable addition to the Mustangs as they look to build a strong roster. Meanwhile, LSU’s coaching staff will need to adapt their strategy following this key loss, as they aim to maintain a competitive edge in securing top talent for their program.
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- Crescent City Sports
- On3
- Sports Illustrated
- NOLA
- WGNO
- Wikipedia: College Football Recruiting
- Google Search: Jakai Anderson
- Google Scholar: Jakai Anderson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Jakai Anderson
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
