How a South Carolina Product Picked LSU Over His Own Parents’ Alma Mater

The recruiting pitch was strong enough to break a family tradition. Tre Segarra, a four-star running back from Duncan, South Carolina, committed to LSU on Monday, choosing the Tigers over multiple SEC rivals — and over the school both of his parents attended.

Segarra’s mother and father are both South Carolina alums. His junior season at Byrnes High School was electric: 1,460 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns on the ground, plus 19 catches for 198 yards and four more scores. He was scheduled to visit Notre Dame and South Carolina later this month. But after an official visit to Baton Rouge, he pulled the trigger on LSU.

The Family Factor That Didn’t Tip the Scale

It’s rare to see a legacy recruit walk away from a family connection, especially when the in-state school is a rising SEC contender. But Lane Kiffin and his staff made a compelling case. Segarra told Hayes Fawcett of Rivals that the relationship with LSU’s coaching staff and the vision for his role in the offense sealed the deal.

South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, and Stanford were all in the mix. Stanford offered the academic brand. Tennessee and Florida bring SEC pedigree. But LSU’s recent offensive identity — built around explosive backs and pro-style concepts — apparently resonated most.

More Than a Running Back

Segarra is a multi-sport athlete. He also plays soccer and wrestles, which helps explain his movement skills. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports wrote that Segarra “deftly leverages angles off blocks” and credited his soccer background with giving him “sudden redirection and acceleration/deceleration skill.”

Brooks projects Segarra as a “potential early contributor with the physical and athletic tools to become a higher-volume, NFL Draft-caliber back.”

Where LSU Stands Now

Segarra is the 11th commitment in LSU’s 2027 class and the second running back, joining three-star Brennen Lacey. The Tigers currently hold the No. 12 class nationally and the No. 6 class in the SEC, per Rivals. For a program that prides itself on developing NFL talent at the skill positions, adding a back with Segarra’s versatility fits the blueprint.

The timing matters, too. With early signing periods accelerating decisions, landing a pledge this early from a player with multiple high-major offers could set a tone for the rest of the cycle. And for a recruit whose parents wore different colors, it’s a bet on a program — not just a campus visit.