LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his staff are zeroing in on Bowe Bentley, a four-star quarterback from Celina, Texas, as a top priority in their 2026 recruiting efforts. The Tigers have significantly ramped up their pursuit of Bentley this offseason.
Ranked as the No. 5 quarterback nationally for the 2026 class, Bentley has emerged as one of Texas’ most highly recruited players. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound standout put together a dominant 2024 campaign, throwing for 3,330 yards and 47 touchdowns with a 70% completion rate. He also rushed for 933 yards and 16 additional scores, leading his high school team to a state championship.
Bentley’s explosive performance has vaulted him into the national spotlight, and with a critical summer stretch ahead, he’s attracted offers from several top programs — with LSU standing out. A visit to Baton Rouge this spring left a strong impression on Bentley, particularly the Tigers’ track record of quarterback development.
“The Heismans they’ve had and Coach Joe Sloan’s development of quarterbacks really stands out,” Bentley told On3 Sports. “Coach Kelly and I have built a great relationship throughout this process.”
He also praised the passion of LSU’s fanbase, noting their unwavering support across all sports.
Still, Oklahoma remains a major contender. Head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle have made a strong push for Bentley as well. Bentley is intrigued by Arbuckle’s offense and the development of Cam Ward, along with the challenge of facing Venables’ defenses in practice.
“Talking with John Mateer about that experience really showed how much it helped him grow,” Bentley said.
Bentley recently narrowed his choices, eliminating Georgia and focusing solely on LSU and Oklahoma. He has also adjusted his official visit schedule: he’ll be at LSU from May 30 for several days, followed by a visit to Oklahoma on June 6. According to On3, the Sooners will have the final opportunity to make their case.
LSU, however, is going all-in.
“They made it clear I’m a priority,” Bentley told Steve Wiltfong of On3. “That’s exciting. I’ve built a strong connection with Coach Sloan — we talk almost every night. He’s a genuine, good guy. LSU has a proven track record with quarterbacks, and that’s huge for me. There’s something special there.”
As May draws to a close, LSU is locked in on one of its most important targets in the 2026 cycle, hoping to seal the deal during Bentley’s upcoming visit.
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