More names are gravitating toward LSU as it maintains its position among the best programs in America.
More names are making their way toward the Bayou Bengals thanks to the diligent efforts of Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Now that the Dead Period has ended, which was on March 3, additional dominoes may fall LSU’s way sooner now.
The buzz surrounding LSU recruiting.
The James Simon Buzz:
Brian Kelly and his team have consistently emphasized their commitment to securing talent from Louisiana and establishing a strong presence to protect the state’s top players.
Six of the Top 10 prospects have now committed to the Tigers, and one more is on the verge of doing so.
LSU is still vying for James Simon, the No. 4 player in Louisiana.
Following visits with the coaching staff, the No. 2 running back in the Bayou State and the Top 10 back in the 2025 cycle are rapidly leaning toward LSU.
The Most Recent Visit:
Last month, after making the trip to Shreveport, quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and recruiting expert Frank Wilson visited with the No. 2 running back in Louisiana.
The four-star running back, ranked in the Top 10 for the 2025 recruitment cycle, has attracted attention from elite programs nationwide. However, the LSU Tigers are actively pursuing the Calvary Baptist star, aiming to keep him in Louisiana. Wilson, the Tigers’ running backs coach, has successfully secured a commitment from the current No. 1 back in the country, Harlem Berry, and now has his sights set on Simon as the next target. While Simon has been showing positive signs towards LSU for several months, there is no set commitment date yet. The program remains committed to intensifying their efforts to ensure his commitment.
The 2025 recruiting class holds significant potential to transform the fortunes of the purple and gold program. Securing commitments from top-tier players such as Bryce Underwood (No. 1 QB), Harlem Berry (No. 1 RB), and Dakorien Moore (No. 1 WR) underscores the serious intent of Brian Kelly and his team.
The offensive arsenal boasts remarkable talent, and LSU is actively working towards crafting an impressive dual-threat in the backfield with the combination of Berry and Simon.
Recently, the Tigers conducted a visit with their primary target for the running back position, following up with an in-person check-in last month and likely planning another visit this summer.
The staff had the opportunity to meet with Devin Harper, a four-star offensive lineman who plays alongside Simon in high school, during the previous month’s check-in.
Harper just made public his commitment to the purple and gold, indicating that LSU hopes to extend the same offer to Simon.
Following conversations with individuals knowledgeable about Simon’s recruitment, LSU Country has officially made a prediction that the No. 4 ranked player will become a part of LSU’s highly talented 2025 class. While a specific commitment date is yet to be confirmed, the belief is that Simon will ultimately choose to join the Tigers.
Additionally, Micah DeBose, ranked as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 cycle, visited Baton Rouge to meet with Brad Davis and the coaching staff. Subsequent to the visit, the Bayou Bengals have generated significant buzz in the recruiting scene.
Following Micah DeBose’s visit, the Tigers are gaining momentum in their pursuit of the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the country. This positive trend was highlighted by a pair of crystal ball predictions logged on Monday, with Chad Simmons of On3 and Anna Adams of 247Sports both forecasting DeBose’s commitment to LSU.
Insiders familiar with DeBose’s recruitment affirm that LSU has emerged as a prominent contender and is positioned as the frontrunner for securing his services, indicating that the program has made a significant impact in the ongoing recruitment process.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Micah DeBose was visited by Coach Davis in Alabama earlier this month. Following that, DeBose made a trip down to Louisiana during the first weekend of February to experience firsthand what the LSU program has to offer.
Having previously been committed to Georgia, DeBose decided to reopen his recruitment, attracting attention from several elite programs. Notable schools like Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, and USC are among those closely involved in the pursuit of DeBose as he navigates through the recruitment process.
Auburn continues to be an active participant in Micah DeBose’s recruitment, but he is exploring various schools that have entered the picture since his decommitment from Georgia.
In LSU’s 2025 class, there are already commitments from two offensive linemen, Brett Bordelon and the recent addition, Devin Harper. Harper, ranked as the No. 3 player in Louisiana, declared his commitment to Coach Brad Davis and the Tigers just a few weeks ago following a positive visit to Baton Rouge.
The Tigers currently boast the No. 1 recruiting class in America for the 2025 cycle, and there are expectations of additional impactful additions in the near future. LSU is demonstrating dominance on the recruiting trail.
Micah DeBose’s recruitment is one to watch in the coming weeks, with LSU emerging as a frontrunner in his decision-making process.
Furthermore, DJ Pickett, ranked as the No. 1 Defensive Back in the nation, participated in an unofficial visit to Baton Rouge last month. The recruitment efforts were spearheaded by Raymond, indicating the Tigers’ commitment to securing top talent on both sides of the ball.
The top-ranked safety in the 2025 cycle took the opportunity to visit “The Boot” and experience the atmosphere of Death Valley. DJ Pickett arrived on Tuesday night (Jan.30) and spent the entire day on Wednesday exploring Baton Rouge before departing on Thursday morning, according to sources from LSU Country.
In a development just weeks later, Pickett has confirmed an official visit to LSU scheduled for June 1 as part of his summer visit itinerary. This indicates a continued interest and engagement between Pickett and the LSU program.
LSU: On June 1.
Georgia: June 7.
June 14, Miami
June 21, Oregon
In December, Pickett, who has been steadily rising in the recruiting rankings over the past few months, announced the final five colleges, which are Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Florida, and Michigan.
DJ Pickett is actively considering LSU and Oregon in addition to other options, having paid an unofficial visit to the Tigers. Following this visit, there has been a notable shift in his list of top choices, with LSU emerging as a frontrunner.
The visit to LSU generated positive buzz, and currently, the Tigers are positioned as a leading team in Pickett’s considerations. Corey Raymond, despite being on the coaching staff for less than a month, is taking charge of the recruitment process and making significant strides on “The Trail,” showcasing his effectiveness in recruiting.
In his prior coaching tenure at LSU spanning from 2012 to 2021, Corey Raymond achieved notable success. Under his guidance, seven players earned first-team All-America honors, and four were selected as first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Additionally, five players coached by Raymond were chosen in the second round of the NFL Draft. His coaching prowess was further highlighted by mentoring Grant Delpit, who won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2019.
Raymond’s own football career began as a standout defensive back for the Tigers, and he subsequently played six seasons in the NFL. His combination of playing experience and coaching achievements contributes to his impactful presence in the realm of football coaching.
Coach Kelly expressed his admiration for Corey Raymond, highlighting Raymond’s deep commitment to LSU and the shared goal of building the best defensive back unit in the country. Kelly emphasized Raymond’s extensive knowledge, experience, and successful recruiting track record, deeming him a valuable addition to the robust defensive coaching staff.
Raymond’s impact is already evident as he recently hosted the No. 1 safety in America, DJ Pickett, in Baton Rouge for a significant unofficial visit. This interaction signifies Raymond’s active involvement in recruiting top-tier talent and underscores the program’s dedication to securing standout players for the defensive backfield.
DJ Pickett had maintained communication with Corey Raymond during Raymond’s time with the Florida Gators. Since Raymond’s return to LSU, his influence on Pickett has become apparent and impactful.
The positive effect of Corey Raymond’s presence is evident for the Tigers. The program recently secured a commitment from Jaboree Antoine, ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the nation. This commitment reflects LSU’s commitment to strengthening its secondary and highlights the impact that Raymond is already making on the program.
During DJ Pickett’s visit last month, LSU went all out in welcoming him, with members of the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class joining in to spend time with him.
Keylan Moses, a standout four-star linebacker and a key recruiter for the 2025 class, played a significant role during the visit. Moses took the opportunity to connect with Pickett, engaging in a photoshoot, discussing future plans, and more, according to sources from LSU Country. This interaction showcases the collaborative efforts of current players in the recruiting process, emphasizing the unity and camaraderie within the Tigers’ program.
In addition to Keylan Moses, the 2024 signees DaShawn McBryde and Joel Rogers also participated in DJ Pickett’s visit. The trio of safeties, including Pickett, took pictures together, and McBryde and Rogers took the opportunity to present their pitch to Pickett during his visit.
Following Pickett’s unofficial visit to Baton Rouge last month, LSU swiftly left an impression in his recruitment. The presence of current players and recent signees, along with the efforts made during the visit, has contributed to LSU standing out among Pickett’s top choices.
DJ Pickett, the No. 1 safety in the 2025 cycle, visited “The Boot” to experience the atmosphere of Death Valley, and the Tigers swiftly ascended to the top of his list.
LSU has successfully secured a spot in Pickett’s Top 5 schools, alongside Oregon, Georgia, Michigan, and Miami. The visit to LSU had a substantial impact on Pickett’s recruitment, with sources indicating that it went “very well.” As Pickett begins to plan his official visit schedule, the Tigers find themselves in a favorable position in his consideration.
After a successful initial visit to Baton Rouge, the Tigers are confident that they are either near the top of DJ Pickett’s list or possibly even at the very top. The positive impression made during his visit has positioned LSU favorably in Pickett’s considerations as he evaluates his options in the recruitment process.