Home Cookin’: Cecilia’s Braylon Calais brings massive talent to LSU
by William Weathers // GeauxPreps.com Contributor
Three years ago, when Braylon Calais first stepped foot onto campus at Cecilia High School, football coach Cody Champagne had an inkling that extraordinary things were in store.
The Bulldogs won the Division II non-select state championship in Calais’ sophomore season in 2024 and advanced to the state quarterfinals last season.
The 6-foot-2 1/2, 200-pound Calais, a 4.5 sprinter, dazzled during his first two seasons with the Bulldogs – impacting games on offense, defense, and special teams – to captivate college coaches with his next-level ability.
With interest from some of the top schools in Power 4 Conferences, Calais narrowed his focus to four schools and committed to LSU during a ceremony Monday at his school’s gymnasium.
“We knew he was going to be a kid that was going to be very special,” said Champagne, who led Cecilia to a 7-5 record and quarterfinal appearance in his first season.
Calais, a four-star prospect, became LSU’s second commitment from a wide receiver in the past week and fourth overall in the Class of 2027. He joined Ah’Mari Stevens of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and joined Shreveport-Evangel Christian quarterback Peyton Houston and edge rusher Jaiden Bryant of Irmo, S.C.
Despite a low number of commitments, LSU’s class is ranked 10th nationally by On3 and 36th by 247Sports.
“Seeing me line up along with the other players, I just felt it was the best fit,” Calais said Monday. “Bringing LSU back to what it’s supposed to be on and off the field. I feel like the fit would be a good fit, especially with the offense they run.”
Calais, the District 5-4A Offensive MVP in 2025, tried to maintain suspense before making his announcement. He playfully put on and took off hats from LSU, Houston, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and then removed his top black shirt to reveal another black shirt with a question mark.
He quickly grabbed the LSU hat and shed his second shirt to reveal a purple LSU shirt.
On3/Rivals rates Calais the nation’s No. 185 overall prospect, No. 5 wide receiver, and the No. 6 player in Louisiana.
“Braylon was offered by LSU at our spring game last year,” Champagne said of LSU which was led by former head coach Brian Kelly. “I think LSU made up a lot of ground with (Lane) Kiffin showing up in December. Obviously, they made up a big chunk because he chose LSU.”
Opposing teams may have had a difficult time keeping up with Calais on a football field.
Champagne said it was the intent of his coaching staff to move Calais around, playing running back, wide receiver, and even quarterback. He’s also a talented safety and kick returner, the latter of which may factor in his future in college.
“Braylon’s a special kid,” said Champagne who expects his star player to be a mid-term graduate and enroll at LSU next January. “Not just football-wise, but the person he is as well.”
Calais was a Class 4A All-State honorable mention selection in ’24 with 1,059 yards and 24 touchdowns rushing. He also caught 25 passes for 411 yards and 4 TDs and averaged 32.1 yards on kickoffs with another score.
“This is the kind of wide receiver that if you’re LSU you don’t want to let leave the state,” said Sam Spiegelman, National Recruiting Analyst/Rivals on On3/Rivals.
Calais, who also plays basketball and runs track at Cecilia, was a first-team choice on the LSWA’s Class 4A team at return specialist this past season.
He combined for more than 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns on offense – 1,108 yards and 20 TDs rushing, 32 catches for 566 4 TDs – and brought back eight kickoffs for an average of 50 yards and two scores.
“If anybody knows Braylon, they know that once he puts his mind to something he’s going to do it,” Champagne said. “We used him in many different positions at Cecilia. He’s also a good defender. Once he settles in and becomes a full-time receiver, he’s going to be pretty good. Braylon’s a winner and a competitor. Once he sets his mind to something he’s going to do it. I think he’s excited about that tradition and that history is something he wants to be part of.”