Baton Rouge native and former Southern University defensive back Treylan James has committed to Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers, announcing his decision publicly on Friday as he prepares to join the program for the 2026 season.
The move keeps the versatile safety in his hometown while giving LSU another presence on the back end of its defense.
James, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound redshirt sophomore, is coming off a productive 2025 campaign at Southern, where he totaled 26 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups for the Jaguars before entering the transfer portal on Jan.2.
The season marked his first year back in Baton Rouge after an earlier stop at Prairie View A&M, where he appeared in 10 games over two seasons and recorded 16 tackles as he adjusted to the college game.
AGTG 1000% committed 🐯 pic.twitter.com/PXNqYnFcMS
— treylan james (@TreylanJ) January 9, 2026
His latest move to LSU signals both his development and the Tigers’ willingness to mine the portal for experienced defensive backs with college production and multiple years of eligibility remaining.
For Kiffin and his staff, James offers length, physicality and scheme flexibility on the back end, with experience at safety and the size to match up with bigger receivers and tight ends in space, according to LSU analysts.
For James, the commitment represents a full-circle moment: from overlooked high school prospect to HBCU contributor to Power Four defensive back, all without ever leaving his hometown.