Top Vanderbilt QB Recruit Blaze Berlowitz Flips Commitment to LSU, Shocking Commodores Football Program
NASHVILLE, TN — In a stunning turn of events, top quarterback recruit Blaze Berlowitz has decommitted from Vanderbilt University and committed to Louisiana State University (LSU). The move sends shockwaves through the Commodores football program, as Berlowitz had been one of their highest-profile recruits in recent years.
The decision to flip his commitment is a significant blow for Vanderbilt, who had been counting on the highly-rated signal-caller to be the cornerstone of their future offense. Berlowitz had initially chosen the Commodores over multiple Power Five schools, including Oregon, Auburn, and Tennessee. However, after months of speculation and visits to several campuses, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback ultimately decided that LSU was the best fit for his college football future.
Berlowitz’s Recruiting Journey:
The recruitment of Blaze Berlowitz had been one of the most closely followed in the 2024 class. A dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, Berlowitz quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the country. Scouts and analysts praised his poise in the pocket, arm strength, and his football IQ, making him a coveted recruit among several elite programs.
Berlowitz had verbally committed to Vanderbilt back in early 2024, a significant victory for head coach Clark Lea and his staff, who were working hard to rebuild the Commodores’ recruiting pipeline. However, despite his commitment, the allure of more established football programs, including SEC powerhouse LSU, proved to be too much.
Why LSU?
Sources close to the recruit suggest that LSU’s strong tradition of quarterback development, as well as their recent resurgence under head coach Brian Kelly, played a major role in Berlowitz’s decision. LSU has consistently produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including recent first-round picks Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson’s time in Baton Rouge. The Tigers are also positioned for success in the SEC West, which provided Berlowitz with the opportunity to play at the highest level of college football.
In a statement, Berlowitz expressed his excitement about his decision. “This was not an easy decision, but after much reflection, I believe LSU gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player and achieve my dreams. I’m excited to be part of this program and can’t wait to get to work,” he said.
Impact on Vanderbilt and the SEC:
For Vanderbilt, losing Berlowitz is a significant setback. While the Commodores have made strides under Lea’s leadership, securing top-tier talent in the SEC remains an uphill battle. Berlowitz’s decommitment will undoubtedly sting, but the Commodores will now need to regroup and shift focus to other quarterback prospects as they look to fill the void.
Meanwhile, the LSU Tigers gain a key piece in their recruiting class, and Berlowitz’s commitment could be a sign of things to come as Brian Kelly’s program continues to gain momentum on the national stage.
Next Steps:
With Berlowitz’s commitment now officially in the books for LSU, attention will turn to the remaining recruiting battles for both the Tigers and Vanderbilt. LSU’s quarterback room is in good hands, with several highly ranked players in the mix, but Berlowitz could quickly emerge as the future leader of the offense.
For Vanderbilt, the search for a new quarterback takes on even greater urgency as the 2024 signing period approaches. Commodores fans will be hoping the coaching staff can rally to secure another highly rated prospect to lead the offense moving forward.
