The second college football commitment of Louisiana’s talented 2027 class — and in particular its loaded quarterback group — came off the board Sunday afternoon.
Benton star Malachi Zeigler announced his pledge to nearby SMU, just three hours west on Interstate 20.
The Mustangs, who joined the ACC in 2024, had been as heavily involved and well-positioned programs throughout this year in the recruiting battle to land the 6-foot-3, 200-pound passer from just outside of Shreveport.
Coach Rhett Lashlee, offensive coordinator Casey Woods and quarterback coach D’Eriq King beat out a long list of other suitors that also notably included Tennessee, Ole Miss, Baylor, Houston, Texas Tech, Notre Dame, Michigan, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Florida State and Mississippi State to name a few.
Zeigler is Louisiana vs. All Y’all’s No. 8 overall prospect in the state’s current junior class and the No. 3 quarterback in a cohort that is as promising at the position as any to come through Louisiana, being discussed similarly — if not favorably in some ways — to the historic 2023 group headlined by Arch Manning (Isidore Newman | Texas), Eli Holstein (Zachary | Alabama, Pittsburgh) and Rickie Collins (Woodlawn-Baton Rouge | LSU, Syracuse).
His size, strong arm, high character and good athleticism for the position — including success in both baseball and the javelin throw — have intrigued college programs during the past couple years of his development.
And this offseason, Zeigler consistently impressed in camp settings with the accuracy of his deep ball drawing repeated praise.
He becomes the state’s second 2027 prospect to announce a college football commitment, joining fellow northwest Louisiana star Peyton “Pop” Houston of Evangel Christian, who announced his LSU pledge in mid-September.
Hamilton Christian athlete Javon Vital Jr. briefly planned to announce his decision this week — with a group of finalists that includes LSU, USC, Houston, UCLA and Sacramento State — before instead opting to pause until after the season.
