Jaiden Bryant is headed to LSU. 

The Irmo junior made his decision official during the 2026 Under Armour All-American game in Florida. He chose the Tigers over teams like Alabama, Georgia, Miami and South Carolina. 

“Go Tigers, Lane train,” Bryant said during his announcement, which aired live on ESPN. “He’s the type of coach that stands on business. He’s the type of coach that's going to make me a better player on and off the field, and that’s a coach I wanted to be coached under.”

While Bryant’s perception of LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was a major factor in his decision, the key move that pushed his decision to the finish line was the addition of LSU’s newest defensive line coach. 

Sterling Lucas left Shane Beamer's staff after the season to join Kiffin at LSU. Lucas and Bryant developed a relationship while Lucas recruited him for the Gamecocks. 

Once Lucas moved to LSU, the Gamecocks lost a lot of footing in the battle for a player in their own backyard. 

“The connection I had with coach Sterling Lucas and him leaving South Carolina and going to LSU. It just made my recruitment process very easy,” Bryant said. “I had that good connection, and it was a good fit for me.”

Bryant is a four-star prospect and is ranked 34th in the nation and second in the state of South Carolina for the class of 2027, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings. 

Last season, Bryant recorded 79 tackles and 11 sacks. He also returned three turnovers for touchdowns. 

Bryant helped guide the Yellow Jackets to consecutive appearances in the 5A Division II championship game. The team fell short both times, but he has one more year to return and try to get Irmo across the finish line.