LSU football just pulled off a staff move that could change everything.
On Monday, it was revealed that LSU had hired away Ohio State Director of Player Personnel Sam Petitto in a gigantic move.
BREAKING: LSU has hired Ohio State Director of Player Personnel Sam Petitto.
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) July 11, 2025
Petitto, an Amite native, spent nearly a decade with Nick Saban as Alabama's Director of Personnel Operations.
More on the new front office hire by LSU's Austin Thomas:➡️ https://t.co/tpL6nmmw7o pic.twitter.com/K3kJ6Y1Mu2
By bringing Sam Petitto home to Louisiana, head coach Brian Kelly is betting on more than just another personnel guy. Petitto’s arrival signals that LSU is all-in on building a roster that can chase another national title.
Who is Sam Petitto?
Sam Petitto isn’t just another recruiter. He’s an Amite, Louisiana native who’s now back in his home state, looking to make a difference. Petitto spent almost a decade under Nick Saban at Alabama as Director of Personnel Operations, helping the Crimson Tide reel in six top-two recruiting classes and two national championships (2017, 2020).
Petitto also made stops at Georgia and Ohio State, where he helped land the Buckeyes a top-five recruiting class for 2025, loaded with five-star talent. Petitto’s work in high school recruiting, transfer portal navigation and roster building has been critical as he knows how to spot and attract game-changing talent.
Why Brian Kelly targeted Sam Petitto for LSU
Brian Kelly was hired to make LSU a national title contender every year. To do that, he needs someone who can consistently bring in elite recruits and manage the transfer portal. Petitto’s track record proves he’s got the skills to do both. Kelly targeted him specifically for his ability to spot future stars by building strong relationships with recruits and their families. Petitto’s experience at Alabama and Ohio State shows his understanding of what it takes to build a championship roster, which is something LSU fans expect.
The college football landscape is quickly changing. NIL deals and transfer portal rules mean programs must adapt or get left behind. Petitto has already proven he can help programs thrive in this environment. At Ohio State, he balanced traditional recruiting with modern roster management, ensuring the Buckeyes remained atop the college football world. At LSU, he’ll lead on scouting, NIL strategy, along with building and nurturing relationships with future Tigers talent.
Sam Petitto’s hire and what it means for LSU’s championship aspirations
With Petitto on staff, LSU’s approach to building a championship roster just got a lot stronger. The Tigers are adding experienced pros across the board, showing that coach Kelly wants to compete for a national title right now. Recent recruiting wins and aggressive staff moves reflect a program in “playoff or bust” mode. Petitto’s hire isn’t just about winning today; it’s about making LSU a powerhouse for many years to come.
LSU fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on recruiting news this season. Sam Petitto’s arrival could be the secret ingredient that helps Brian Kelly reach the championship peak that Tiger Nation is craving.