BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star WR Luther Burden III Decommits from Missouri, Flips Commitment to LSU tigers Over Penn State and Tennessee
In a shocking development in college football recruiting, five-star wide receiver Luther Burden III has decommitted from the University of Missouri and flipped his commitment to LSU. The move marks a significant shift in Burden’s recruitment, as he had been heavily linked to Missouri for much of his recruitment
200-pound playmaker from St. Louis, Missouri, is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2023 class and has been a highly sought-after recruit throughout the process.
Burden initially committed to the University of Missouri back in 2021, making him one of the most high-profile recruits in the Tigers’ recent history. However, as the recruiting cycle has unfolded, the highly-talented wide receiver began to reevaluate his decision and took several official visits to other programs. Ultimately, his decision to flip to LSU comes after months of speculation and growing interest from several major programs, including Penn State and Tennessee, who were also in the running for Burden’s services.
LSU emerged as the ultimate victor in this recruiting battle, capitalizing on their strong relationship with Burden and their track record of developing wide receivers for the NFL. Head coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers’ coaching staff have made Burden a top priority in their recruiting efforts, selling him on the idea of playing in one of the nation’s premier football programs. LSU’s success in the SEC and its reputation for producing NFL-caliber talent played a major role in Burden’s decision to make the switch.
Burden’s commitment to LSU is seen as a huge win for the Tigers, who have had a need for playmakers in their receiving corps. With the departure of several key players, LSU is looking to rebuild its offense and make a serious push for SEC and national titles in the coming years. Burden’s exceptional speed, hands, and route-running ability make him an ideal fit for LSU’s high-powered offensive system. His ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders will be a valuable asset to the Tigers’ offense as they look to reassert themselves as a dominant force in the SEC.
Burden’s flip also represents a major setback for Missouri, which had been hoping to secure his services for the long-term. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff worked tirelessly to keep Burden in the fold, but the lure of LSU’s program ultimately proved to be too much to overcome. Despite losing Burden, Missouri is still in the mix for several other high-profile recruits and will look to rebound in future recruiting cycles.
In addition to Missouri, both Penn State and Tennessee were believed to be serious contenders for Burden’s commitment. Penn State, under head coach James Franklin, had made a strong push for Burden and had gained significant momentum in the recruitment. Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, had also been involved in Burden’s recruitment and hoped to add him to their explosive offense. However, LSU’s pitch, combined with its track record and overall appeal, ultimately swayed Burden’s decision.
With his commitment now secured, Burden is expected to be an immediate contributor for LSU, with many projecting him as a day-one starter. His commitment strengthens LSU’s already impressive recruiting class and signals the Tigers’ continued success on the recruiting trail under Brian Kelly. This latest flip is just one of many in an ever-changing college football landscape where top recruits have the power to shape the direction of programs across the country.