Landon Ibieta flips from Miami to LSU
The LSU coaches began warming up to Mandeville (La.) wide receiver Landon Ibieta after turning in an impressive performance at a camp workout over the summer.
Ibieta wound up committing to Miami later that month.
As coaches continue to resurface at different programs nationwide, the new Tigers staff wasted little time offering Ibieta. Six days later, the three-star playmaker out of New Orleans’ north shore flipped his commitment from the Hurricanes and signed with LSU.
Ibieta developed close relationships with Mickey Joseph (Nebraska) and Rob Likens (Miami). He also had connections with Jabbar Juluke (Florida) and Brian Polian (LSU), and all four of those coaches relocated in recent weeks. In the end, Ibieta went with hit gut which pointed him home. The three-star receiver ranks No. 86 at the position nationally. He’s the No. 22 overall recruit from The Boot in 2022.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
On the last couple of days of making this decision: “From Thursday, I got the offer. I came up for my birthday weekend. I changed some plans, but for all it was all worth it. LSU has always been that school for me growing up watching.”
On the coaching carousel impact: “To be honest, after the coaching change at Miami I wasn’t sure where to go. Louisville and Nebraska were new offers I was probably gonna visit in January, but LSU came in and they got me on campus and then it happened.”
On Brian Polian and Brian Kelly: “Coach Kelly and Polian bring a winning attitude and culture. They're more about the team than individuals, and you can tell they're gonna bring change and bring people in that want to be there, that want to be at LSU and grew up wanting to bring another national championship to Louisiana.”
On his official visit to LSU: “I’ve been around these guys for a bit and big events you go to ... it’s a common goal for in-state kids to go to LSU. It’s all we know.”
RIVALS REACTION
The 6-foot, 185-pound Ibieta was unquestionably the driving force of Mandeville’s offense – lining up at a variety of positions, including quarterback and out at receiver – after a strong showing in the slot throughout the offseason camps and 7-on-7 showcase. Ibieta finished his senior season with 37 receptions for 734 yards (19.8 YPC) with six touchdowns. He added another 31 carries for 251 yards and eight touchdowns with three more punt returns, two of them house calls.
Overall, the New Orleans area Swiss Army Knife totaled 17 trips to the end zone and almost 1,200 all-purpose yards.
Ibieta has speed to stretch the field and outstanding body control to compete for contested catches downfield. His body of work as a Wildcat quarterback and ability to create plays after the catch gives the Tigers a major playmaker to use in space and also in the return game. Ibieita is dynamic and plays bigger than his frame. He’s highly acclaimed by coaches in and around the area that have faced him and splash-play potential