LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has his future quarterback in four-star prospect Peyton Houston. LSU initially targeted five-star quarterback Elijah Haven in the 2027 class, but the Tigers are no longer in his recruitment.
LSU analyst Matt Moscona believes Houston fits the type of quarterback Kiffin prefers. Moscona noted that Haven represents a physically imposing option who was interested in playing for the Tigers.
Matt Moscona Discusses LSU’s Quarterback Recruitment
“Two things can be true at the same time,” Moscona said. “(I am) very excited about the future with Peyton Houston at LSU because he looks dynamic and awesome and fits the skill set of what Lane Kiffin wants. Louisiana kid and wants LSU and all that. He’s all and I love that is true. I’m fired up about.
“I am also looking at a 6-foot-5, 220-pound quarterback from Baton Rouge who wanted to go to LSU. LSU made a different decision, and it makes me go, [I] hope you’re right. Peyton Houston [is] listed at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds. Elijah Haven [is] 6-foot-5, 220 pounds. He doesn’t fit the mold of what Lane Kiffin usually has at quarterback in his system, Peyton Houston does. But sometimes you break the mold for the right [guy].”
Houston was the first player to join LSU’s 2027 class. He joins an offense that finished last season with a 76.1 score in the PFSN College Football Offense Impact Metric. Houston is coming off back-to-back seasons at Evangel Christian Academy, ranking as the No. 140 overall prospect in the nation and No. 14 quarterback in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He threw for 3,836 yards and 42 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while rushing for 942 yards and 12 scores last season, per MaxPreps.
Haven completed 231 of 319 passes for 3,931 yards, 62 touchdowns, and seven interceptions during his junior season at Dunham High School, while rushing for 794 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is ranked the No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 class and the No. 11 overall recruit nationally by the Rivals Industry Ranking.
While some programs continue recruiting multiple quarterbacks after securing a commitment, LSU has remained committed to Houston. Kiffin did not originally recruit Houston at LSU, but he has maintained that commitment since taking over as head coach. Houston shares a relationship with Kiffin and his staff dating back to his middle school years, and coaches believe his skill set fits the offensive system led by Kiffin and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.
LSU is out of Haven’s top schools, with Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn emerging as finalists. He is expected to announce his decision on April 25, according to Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman. Alabama is trending in the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine, which gives Kalen DeBoer’s program a 96.9% chance of landing his commitment.
