5-Star WR Brenen Thompson Decommits from Oklahoma, Commits to LSU Over Alabama, Ole Miss, and Others
In a major shake-up in college football recruiting, Brenen Thompson, a five-star wide receiver from Spearman, Texas, has decommitted from the University of Oklahoma and officially flipped his commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU) over other major suitors such as Alabama, Ole Miss, and several other high-profile programs. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 recruiting class and has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, as Thompson’s talent and potential are considered among the best in the nation.
Thompson, who has long been one of the most coveted recruits in the country, initially committed to Oklahoma in the summer of 2023. However, after careful consideration and a series of official visits to LSU, Alabama, and Ole Miss, Thompson ultimately decided that Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was the best place for his college career. His decision represents a major win for LSU’s football program, as the Tigers continue to build momentum under head coach Brian Kelly, who has made significant strides in securing top-tier talent since taking the helm in 2022.
The Recruitment Saga of Brenen Thompson
Brenen Thompson’s recruitment has been a whirlwind from the moment he stepped onto the scene as a standout high school talent. Known for his blazing speed and exceptional ball skills, Thompson was regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the country for the 2024 class. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing around 170 pounds, Thompson possesses elite-level speed, clocking in a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. His combination of speed, agility, and route-running ability made him an instant top target for nearly every major program in the country.
Thompson’s recruitment initially seemed to be heading toward a commitment to Texas, where his father and several family members had strong ties. However, in the summer of 2023, the Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, won his commitment after impressing him with their pitch for early playing time, the offensive system, and their ability to develop wide receivers. Thompson announced his decision with great fanfare, but it quickly became clear that his recruitment was far from over.
Over the following months, as Thompson saw his stock continue to rise, a series of visits to other top schools began to influence his thoughts. LSU, in particular, made a significant push, leveraging their rich history of producing NFL-caliber wide receivers and the allure of playing in the high-powered offense under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Alabama, always a recruiting juggernaut, also remained in the hunt, and head coach Nick Saban was not going to give up easily on landing a player of Thompson’s caliber.
By late fall, Thompson was still considering all his options. His relationship with Oklahoma remained strong, but LSU’s efforts began to shift the balance. When he decommitted from Oklahoma, it was clear that LSU was in the driver’s seat, but Alabama and Ole Miss were not going to go down without a fight.
The LSU Commitment
Thompson’s commitment to LSU on December 15th, 2024, came after weeks of careful deliberation. While he had been impressed by all the schools recruiting him, LSU’s overall pitch proved to be the most compelling. LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who had already established himself as a top recruiter in his brief time in Baton Rouge, was able to leverage LSU’s reputation for developing wide receivers into elite talent. The Tigers have produced NFL stars such as Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. over the past few seasons, and Thompson is expected to be the next in line.
Speaking about his decision, Thompson praised the coaching staff at LSU, particularly head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, for their vision and the way they utilized their wide receivers in the passing game.
“I’ve been blown away by everything LSU has to offer, from the coaching staff to the atmosphere at the games and the relationships they’ve built with me,” Thompson said in an interview after his commitment. “The way they develop players and get them to the NFL is something I’m really excited about. I know I’ll be challenged and pushed every day, and that’s what I’m looking for in my college experience. I’m ready to be part of something special at LSU.”
LSU’s Recruiting Surge
Thompson’s commitment is part of a larger wave of success for LSU on the recruiting trail under head coach Brian Kelly. After taking over the program in 2022, Kelly faced the challenge of rebuilding the Tigers into national title contenders, but his recruiting efforts have shown remarkable progress in a short amount of time. LSU’s 2024 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, and landing a player of Thompson’s caliber only adds to that momentum.
With the addition of Thompson, LSU now has one of the top wide receivers in the country in their 2024 class. His elite speed and ability to stretch the field fit perfectly into the Tigers’ offensive philosophy, and he is expected to make an immediate impact once he arrives on campus. Thompson joins a loaded wide receiver group at LSU that includes rising stars and will provide the Tigers with a game-breaking threat on the outside for years to come.
“I think we are building something really special here,” Kelly said in a statement following Thompson’s commitment. “Brenen is an outstanding young man who is going to be a key part of our offense. He has the speed, the hands, and the mindset to be a difference-maker from Day 1. We are thrilled to welcome him to the LSU family.”
The Impact on Other Programs
Thompson’s flip to LSU is a significant blow to Oklahoma, which had hoped to keep the highly sought-after wide receiver in its 2024 class. While the Sooners have a solid group of recruits lined up for the coming years, losing Thompson means missing out on a player who could have been a centerpiece of their offense for the next several seasons.
For Alabama, Thompson’s commitment to LSU means another high-profile recruit slips through their grasp. The Crimson Tide has long been a powerhouse in college football recruiting, and their pursuit of Thompson was no surprise. Saban and his staff have built a reputation for developing wide receivers into elite talents, and many expected Thompson to join the ranks of stars like DeVonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy in Tuscaloosa. However, with LSU securing Thompson’s commitment, Alabama now faces the task of finding another playmaker to fill the void.
Ole Miss, which had made a strong push for Thompson throughout the recruiting process, will also feel the sting of his decision. Head coach Lane Kiffin has been successful in attracting top-tier offensive talent to Oxford, but landing a player of Thompson’s caliber would have been a major statement for the program. While the Rebels still have a solid recruiting class, losing out on Thompson represents a missed opportunity.
Looking Ahead
With Brenen Thompson now firmly committed to LSU, all eyes will be on his development as he heads into his senior year of high school. Thompson has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the country, but he will have the opportunity to further refine his skills before making the leap to the college ranks. His speed and ability to make plays after the catch are among his most impressive attributes, and LSU’s coaching staff will likely focus on enhancing his route-running and ability to make contested catches in traffic.
Once on campus, Thompson will likely have the chance to compete for playing time early in his career. LSU has produced some of the best wide receivers in recent years, and Thompson’s blend of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a perfect fit for the Tigers’ high-octane offense.
As for LSU, landing a player like Thompson not only strengthens their 2024 recruiting class but also signals that the Tigers are once again a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. Under Brian Kelly, LSU has quickly reasserted itself as one of the top programs in the country, and with players like Thompson coming in, the Tigers are well-positioned to compete for national championships in the years to come.
For Brenen Thompson, his journey to LSU is just beginning. But with his immense talent and the bright future ahead of him, it’s clear that his decision to commit to LSU will have a lasting impact on both his career and the LSU football program.
Conclusion
Brenen Thompson’s decision to decommit from Oklahoma and commit to LSU is one of the most significant recruiting developments of the 2024 cycle. The combination of his elite talent and LSU’s championship pedigree makes for a promising future, and Thompson is sure to make an immediate impact when he arrives in Baton Rouge. As LSU continues to build momentum under Brian Kelly, the addition of Thompson only strengthens their position as one of the premier programs in college football.
