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Five-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant flipped his football commitment from LSU to Miami on Wednesday. The top recruit had been a part of the Tigers’ class since January.
Rumors have since circulated suggesting Bryant’s decision was money motivated. Did the Hurricanes pay him to shut down his recruitment?
That narrative is being pushed by the LSU faithful following Bryant’s flip. The defensive end’s social media activity only fueled that speculation.
@ayssportsnetwork The Jaiden Bryant flip had simple motivation. #lsufootball #geauxtigers #secfootball #collegefootball
Who is Jaiden Bryant?
The Palmetto State native plays high school football at Irmo, just minutes away from the University of South Carolina campus. Despite that proximity, the Gamecocks were not among his top two programs, at least not at this moment in time.
Bryant built a close relationship with former South Carolina assistant Sterling Lucas, who moved onto LSU when Lane Kiffin was hired. That bond led to a commitment.
Bryant made his pledge to the Tigers just days after Lucas arrived in Baton Rouge. He became a headliner in Kiffin’s 2027 class.
The pass rusher is considered a Top 20 player by 247 Sports. He is the top player in the state of South Carolina.
His commitment to LSU appeared firm. He tweeted out the following message on Wednesday afternoon.
Geaux tiger🐯🐯… incase yall forgot
— Jaiden “Boog” Bryant 🦍 (@jboog24_) June 3, 2026
Just hours later, he was a member of another school’s class. Bryant committed to Miami on Wednesday night. The LSU tweet appeared an intentional jab.
Why did he flip?
Many believe the decision was money motivated. LSU and Miami are two of the biggest spenders in college football. Maybe the Hurricanes were willing to pay more.
LSU insider Matt Moscona believes there was another motive.
Bryant’s commitment to the Tigers appeared firm. Still, LSU has continued to pursue a slew of five-star pass rushers.
Last weekend, Top 30 defensive end Abraham Sesay took a trip to Baton Rouge. Next weekend, Top 10 prospect KJ Green will visit.
Moscona alluded to Jaiden Bryant feeling spurned. He was committed to the program, but were the Tigers committed to him?
That feeling of rejection would explain his online trolling, which certainly seemed calculated.
Moscona shot down the narrative that Miami paid Bryant to shut down his recruitment. He will be paid handsomely no matter where he winds up playing.
In the end, the insider chalked it up to Bryant’s desire to be the crowned jewel in Miami defensive end haul.
Do you agree with that assertion, or do you think the Hurricanes paid the edge rusher to dupe the Tigers? Let us know in the comments below.