LSU head coach Brian Kelly has essentially established the Tigers’ core for the upcoming few seasons before the 2024 campaign officially kicks off.
Five-star athlete D.J. Pickett, class of 2025, made his pledge to LSU known on Wednesday. He joins quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Harlem Berry as the third five-star recruit that Kelly has acquired to the class for the next season.
LSU’s football program is making significant strides, currently boasting the fourth-ranked 2025 recruiting class according to 247Sports. They join Alabama and Ohio State as one of the few programs with at least three five-star recruits.
Among these recruits, Underwood leads the class as the top-ranked player, while Pickett ranks sixth overall in the 247Sports composite rankings. Berry stands out as the top-ranked running back in the class and the 16th overall prospect.
Pickett chose LSU over Oregon and Miami, citing his strong bond with LSU’s secondary coach, Corey Raymond, and the program’s reputation as “DBU” (Defensive Back University). LSU has a storied history of producing NFL star defensive backs, including Patrick Peterson, Derek Stingley Jr., and Tre’Davious White.
Pickett, who excelled both defensively and as a receiver in high school, is poised to continue LSU’s tradition of standout defensive backs. Head coach Kelly has been instrumental in LSU’s resurgence, turning around a program that faced challenges following their 2019 national championship win.
Despite recent success, Kelly acknowledges the need for improvement, particularly in achieving offensive balance. With the SEC’s recent expansions adding Texas and Oklahoma, LSU faces tougher competition. They are ranked fifth in preseason odds to win the SEC, signaling high expectations amidst their promising recruiting class.
As LSU prepares for the upcoming season and beyond, the momentum from their recruiting successes suggests even brighter days ahead for the Tigers under Kelly’s leadership.