Four-star DB Karnell “Greedy” James flipped from Texas to LSU, giving the Tigers a fast-rising defensive back and forcing the Longhorns to reload in 2027.
Karnell “Greedy” James is no longer a Texas Longhorns commit.
The fast-rising defensive back out of Manvel, Texas, flipped to LSU on Thursday, giving the Tigers a recruiting win that stings a little harder because Texas got in early.
The Longhorns were ahead of the crowd with James. They offered him back in June 2025 after he camped in Austin, then landed his commitment in December before his recruitment exploded.
At the time, it looked like Texas had identified a defensive back before the rest of the country fully caught on.
That advantage didn’t last.
After a breakout junior season, James’ offer list ballooned to 29 schools, and suddenly the Longhorns weren’t just protecting a pledge, they were fighting off heavyweights.
LSU and Notre Dame pushed into the picture, but the Tigers made the loudest move down the stretch.
Now James is headed to Baton Rouge, where LSU’s defensive back tradition and development pitch helped turn a Texas commitment into an SEC flip.
For LSU, this is exactly the kind of win that builds recruiting momentum.
James brings versatility, length and a playmaking profile that fits what the Tigers want on the back end. Whether he settles in at safety or gets a look at corner, he gives LSU another athletic defensive piece with upside.
For Texas, it’s a loss, but it’s not a collapse. Steve Sarkisian’s staff still has serious talent lined up in the secondary, including five-star John Meredith III, Brandon Sherrard and Junior Tu’upo.
That doesn’t erase losing James, but it keeps the room from feeling empty.
Still, flips like this matter. Texas found Greedy James early. LSU closed the deal late. In modern recruiting, that’s the whole fight.
And on Thursday, the Tigers won it.
