TLDR: In a significant boost to the LSU Tigers’ future defense, DJ Pickett, a standout high school cornerback, committed to play for LSU in an announcement on Wednesday. Pickett is widely regarded as one of the top recruits for the class of 2025, recognized by 247Sports as the third-best cornerback in the nation and ninth overall, and even ranked as the No. 1 cornerback by On3. Currently, Pickett plays for Zephyrhills High School in Tampa, Florida, and is set to reinforce LSU’s pass defense, which struggled last season, ranking 115th nationally in passing yards allowed. His arrival marks a crucial addition to a defense that has lacked top talent at the cornerback position in recent years, with few high-rated commits since 2021. Coach Brian Kelly and his staff, particularly newly-hired secondary coach Corey Ramond, were key in securing Pickett’s commitment over other contenders, Miami and Oregon. With Pickett, the 2025 recruiting class bolsters its standing, being already ranked fourth nationally and featuring top talents such as quarterback Bryce Underwood. Pickett’s decision to join LSU underscores a revitalized recruiting strategy and offers a promising outlook for the Tigers in the upcoming seasons.

DJ Pickett, a five-star high school cornerback, has pledged to join the LSU Tigers, boosting the college’s defensive lineup in upcoming seasons. Acknowledged by 247Sports as the nation’s third-best cornerback and ninth top player overall for 2025, Pickett stands out as a vital addition to Head Coach Brian Kelly’s squad. Meanwhile, On3 rates Pickett as the premier cornerback and sixth overall recruit, underlining his potential as an asset to the team.

Hailing from Zephyrhills High School in Tampa, Florida, Pickett is poised to strengthen an LSU secondary that recently struggled in national defensive rankings. The Tigers were positioned 115th in allowing passing yards last year and need renewed vigor in their defensive strategies. Despite past recruitment challenges in securing top-notch cornerback talent, Pickett’s commitment marks a pivotal turning point for LSU’s efforts to fortify its defensive lines.

Notably, LSU has faced hurdles recently, with only a few highly-rated cornerback commitments over the last few years. The arrival of Pickett can potentially rectify this shortage, similar to the previous success with Eli Ricks, the last major cornerback recruit in 2020, before his transfer. A significant factor in Pickett’s decision was the influence of Corey Ramond, the secondary coach, whose efforts brought Pickett’s talents to Baton Rouge over competitors such as Miami and Oregon.

Pickett’s addition further elevates LSU’s recruitment class for 2025, already in fourth place nationally. This class includes Bryce Underwood, the top-rated quarterback prospect, reflecting strategic planning by LSU in securing top-tier talent. Pickett’s involvement provides optimism for a reinforced defensive outlook as the Tigers anticipate a resilience-driven season ahead. With promising young players like Pickett joining, LSU aims at reshaping its defensive capacities for future NCAA seasons.