JOURNAL SPORTS
Record-breaking quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston became the first member of LSU’s 2027 recruiting class Monday when the Evangel Christian junior began his 17th birthday celebration by unveiling his verbal commitment to the Tigers during an announcement at ECA.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder uncovered an LSU polo shirt and pulled on an LSU cap as his parents flashed Tigers’ gear, signaling his selection over four other finalists: Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and USC.
Verbal commitments are not binding. Under the current NCAA recruiting calendar, the earliest Houston can officially sign with LSU is next August.
Houston is ranked as a top 200 recruit according to 247 Sports, and their No. 14 quarterback prospect nationally in the Class of 2027. He is rated 77th on ESPN’s “Junior 300” list and the top pocket passer in his class nationwide.
He did not play as a high school freshman after transferring to Evangel from Calvary Baptist. He threw for a state-leading 4,480 yards and 38 touchdowns as a sophomore, setting a national single-game passing yardage record with 817 against Captain Shreve In a 77-76 one overtime loss to the Gators.
Houston was in Baton Rouge Saturday to attend the Tigers’ win over Florida. His god-brother is former LSU All-America linebacker Devin White, and Houston attended a number of the Springhill native’s games in White’s LSU career.
LSU’s recent ability to develop NFL-ready quarterbacks – Heisman Trophy winners Joe Burrow (2019) and Jayden Daniels (2023) along with current Tiger starter and Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier – was a pivotal factor in the decision, Houston said.
Other priorities cited were offensive fit, community culture, life possibilities after football, and joining a program that has strong Christian values.
Houston reportedly has 32 offers from major programs.