Mason Moore knew when he committed to Ole Miss the first weekend of May that other notable programs may ultimately only ramp up their pushes.
But the most interesting possible curveball arrived this week as hometown Baton Rouge made its move and made the Central nickel/safety just its 14th offered in-state target for the 2027 recruiting cycle.
“Really, it means a lot,” smiled Moore. “It’s obviously exciting, and I feel like it’s just an opportunity I’m really grateful for because every football player in Louisiana dreams about going to play at LSU or at least getting an offer from LSU at some point along their football career.
“I’ve been at LSU probably my life watching all the guys grow up because you know my dad was a mentor for most of ’em. And every single year I’ve been to at least half the home games. It’s a great feeling. It’s a great feeling.”
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound athlete grew up with a particular admiration for former Tigers star Tyrann Mathieu, who became one of the nation’s top all-around playmakers as a smaller, but instinctive and tenacious defensive back.
But he rattled off a long list of other current and former LSU standouts he’s known, looked up to or enjoyed watching and mentioned his family’s longstanding friendship with secondary coach Corey Raymond.
Moore said he looks forward to discussing the opportunity more with Raymond given that relationship, but that his primary recruiter has been safeties coach Jake Olsen.
“Right now I haven’t done too much talking about a plan or what role I would step into, but I most likely will be doing most of my communication with coach Olsen and just figuring where they see me at, what my role would be, timeframes,” Moore said.
Those details could go a long way in determining the direction of conversations among the Moore family during the next month — and potentially beyond — as they look at the process with new information now entering the equation.
Mason has been enthusiastic about the overall opportunity in Oxford, Miss., including the relationships there and the perceived fit with three-safety looks new coach Pete Golding, the former defensive coordinator, and company plan to utilize.
Ole Miss was the first program to offer Moore more than two years ago when Lane Kiffin, Kevin Smith and many members of the new-look LSU staff were still there. And this winter’s coaching carousel landed another familiar face, Frank Wilson III, with the Rebels as the program’s new senior associate head coach.
Moore said he will continue to gain a more complete sense of what the Tigers’ potential plan for him might entail.
“I feel like (the offer) doesn’t really affect my recruiting process, but it does at the same time,” he said. “I’m just gonna take everything day by day and just see how everything plays out. Obviously an offer from LSU does mean a lot, but as I’m committed to Ole Miss right now, I just need to process everything and take everything in. And if I plan on switching the decision or if I plan on staying, it’ll come with time.”
The Rebels have meanwhile continued their consistent communication with him, but not necessarily pressed more in reaction to the new development.
“I’d say they’ve been keeping it calm, but we’ve had a couple conversations,” Moore said. “I’ve had a couple conversations with most of my coaches since then — nothing specific, just small talk, chopping it up, staying connected and that’s really it.”
LSU’s in-state 2027 offers
Jayden Anding, Ruston S
*** Braylon Calais, Cecilia WR/ATH — LSU commit ***
Karon Eugene, Westgate S
Elijah Haven, Dunham QB — Alabama commit
*** Peyton “Pop” Houston, Evangel Christian QB — LSU commit ***
*** Ahmad Hudson, Ruston TE — LSU commit ***
Trey Martin, Franklin Parish RB
Jayden Miles, Catholic-Baton Rouge RB
Mason Moore, Central DB — Ole Miss commit
Easton Royal, Brother Martin WR — Texas commit
Albert Simien, Sam Houston OL
Javon Vital Jr., Lake Charles College Prep RB/ATH — USC commit
Miguel Whitley, St. Augustine WR
Ray’Quan Williams, St. Augustine WR