Tigers Secure Elite Back
LSU Bolsters 2027 Class with Commitment from Elite Louisiana Running Back Trey Martin
Key Points
Rivals reporter Hayes Fawcett first broke the news of Martin’s commitment, writing: “BREAKING: Four-Star RB Trey Martin has Committed to LSU… 5’10 200 RB from Winnsboro, LA chose the Tigers over Ole Miss and Florida.”
Scouting notes on Martin emphasize his physical profile and playmaking traits: described as a 6’0”, 201-pound runner with “excellent vision, balance, and strength,” plus “good hands” and the ability to catch passes downfield.
After Martin’s commitment, LSU was listed at No. 20 in the “up-to-date 247Sports Composite team recruiting rankings,” while Martin was ranked No. 182 nationally, No. 6 in Louisiana, and No. 12 at his position.
Running backs coach Kevin Smith credited LSU’s player-development and scheme fit, saying he was “eyeing a school he believed he could develop at his position,” and that Smith wanted Martin to “play in Kiffin’s offense.”
Alongside Martin, the article highlights Tre Segarra’s background: “Because of Segarra’s soccer background, the 5-11, 210-pound tailback’s footwork and agility is almost unmatched.”
LSU landed 4-star running back Trey Martin on June 17, adding one of Louisiana's top prospects to Lane Kiffin's growing 2027 recruiting class. Rivals reporter Hayes Fawcett broke the news, writing: "BREAKING: Four-Star RB Trey Martin has Committed to LSU… 5'10 200 RB from Winnsboro, LA chose the Tigers over Ole Miss and Florida."
The commitment pushed LSU's 2027 class to 12 players and vaulted the Tigers to No. 19 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings — up from No. 51 just one week earlier. Martin is the third 4-star running back to pledge to LSU in June alone, joining Brennen Lacey and Tre Segarra.
From Franklin Parish to Baton Rouge: Martin's Recruiting Journey
Martin grew up in Winnsboro, Louisiana, and played at Franklin Parish High School. As a junior in 2025, he ran for 1,310 yards on 115 carries — an 11.4 yards-per-carry average — with 26 rushing touchdowns. He added 17 catches for 277 yards and 5 more scores, totaling 1,587 yards and 31 touchdowns, according to 247Sports.
Martin also competes in track, posting an 11.31-second 100 meters and a 23.58-second 200 meters. LSU first offered him in October 2025. He then took official visits to Houston, Alabama, and Ole Miss before a final trip to Baton Rouge on June 14-16 swung momentum firmly toward the Tigers, per On3.
Kevin Smith's Recruiting Bond Was the Deciding Factor
Running backs coach Kevin Smith — earning roughly $1 million per year — was the key recruiter. Smith had built a relationship with Martin during his time at Ole Miss, then kept it alive when he followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge. Martin said LSU "has always been at the top of my list," adding: "The best in the boot stays inna boot," according to TigerBait.com.
Former LSU offer and current freshman defensive back Dezyrian Ellis, Martin's high school teammate, also played a role. Martin said Ellis "calls me every day" and "can definitely see me there," per TigerBait.com. Smith's track record helped too — he developed Kewan Lacy into an All-American at Ole Miss in 2025, giving Martin a blueprint for his own development.
LSU's Running Back Trio Sets Up a Deep 2027 Backfield
Martin joins Brennen Lacey, who committed June 7, and Tre Segarra, who committed June 16. Segarra brings a unique background — 247Sports noted that "because of Segarra's soccer background, the 5-11, 210-pound tailback's footwork and agility is almost unmatched." Segarra said he told Kiffin he was committing during his visit, with Lacey standing right there.
Analyst Matt Moscona suggested the three-back haul signals LSU is bracing for transfer portal departures among older backs. Martin is ranked No. 182 nationally, No. 12 at his position, and No. 6 in Louisiana in the 247Sports Composite. Louisiana Radio Network noted he originally started his high school career as a safety before moving to running back.
Kiffin's Fast Start Is Walling Off Louisiana From SEC Rivals
The Martin commitment stings Florida most. On3 reported that the Gators had been viewed as a serious threat after an "extravagant official visit" in early June. Now LSU has secured three elite 2027 backs in 11 days, which analysts say effectively closes the door on Florida's backfield recruiting in the cycle.
LSU's rise from No. 51 to No. 19 in seven days shows how fast Kiffin's "Commitment World Cup" — a phrase coined by Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau — changed the class. The focus now shifts to what comes next. 247Sports reported that LSU has multiple targets who could commit soon, with the Early Signing Period in December still months away.
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