LSU football: Top 2025 defensive recruit has strong words following Baton Rouge visit

DJ Pickett, the No. 1 safety in the 2025 recruiting class, visited Baton Rouge this week unofficially. As such, LSU football fans will be pleased to know that the Zephyrhills (Fla.) defensive back strongly commented in favor of the Tigers after his trip.

In speaking with On3’s Chad Simmons on Thursday, Pickett sensed that Death Valley is “building something special.” He also enjoyed meeting with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.

“I feel like he’s somebody I can easily talk to. He’s one of the coaches that I like most in my recruitment. We have a good bond, and we click together,” Pickett told Simmons.

Another standout comment regarding the five-star’s visit to Baton Rouge was that head coach Brian Kelly told him, “If you come to LSU, you’re going to win.”

The Tigers are now a school to watch in the campaign for Pickett’s commitment. The Florida Gators are the early favorite for the 6-foot-3, 170-pound safety per On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine. However, an RPM score of 26.3% indicates a long way to go in recruiting Pickett.

Michigan, Georgia, and Florida State are also courting the top 2025 recruit in Florida.

Kelly’s offseason coaching hires were significant for several reasons, including the campaign to bring DJ Pickett to Baton Rouge. As an 8th grader, Raymond and then-LSU linebackers coach Blake Baker initially offered Pickett. Indeed, both coaches returning to Death Valley, including Baker assuming the defensive coordinator role is significant.

Adding Pickett to its 2025 recruiting class would be the latest sign of an astronomical rise for the LSU football future with Kelly at the helm. Recently, the Tigers landed the commitments of 2025’s top overall player, Bryce Underwood, top running back, Harlem Berry, and top receiver, Dakorien Moore.

Holding each player’s commitment in a world of lucrative NIL deals is paramount, but for now, the Tigers are in an excellent position to add a top defensive recruit to a historic class.