Best CB Prospect in the Nation Commits to LSU

© Jon Santucci/USA Today Network/USA TODAY NETWORK

Consensus five-star cornerback DJ Pickett committed to LSU on July 17. Rated the best CB prospect in the nation by On3, ESPN and Rivals, Pickett was highly coveted by all top collegiate football programs.

Many had forecasted Pickett was headed to Eugene, Ore., to play for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks. However, the 6-foot-4 Floridian phenom chose to cast his lot with the Bayou Bengals. In addition to Oregon, multiple top-flight programs extended offers to Pickett, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Ohio State.

Best CB Prospect

In the words of 247Sports, Pickett is a "one-of-a-kind" athlete. He plays on both sides of the ball in high school, starring as a wide receiver and defensive back. He is one of the taller CB prospects to come along in many years, and he has a 6-foot-8 wingspan. At the prep level, he dominates opponents with his athleticism, physique and speed. He is a champion sprinter who also excels in baseball and basketball.

As a sophomore, he caught 43 passes for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns, and on defense, he made 39 tackles, 4 interceptions and 3 pass breakups. He ramped his numbers up in his junior year, leading his team to the regional semifinals of Florida's 3S playoffs. He caught 52 passes for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns while shutting down opponents on the defensive side. Per 247Sports, Pickett delivers "punishing hits in run support."

Pickett has already inked an NIL deal, valued at $488,000.00.

Bayou Bengals' 2025 Class

With the commitment of Pickett, the LSU 2025 class is now rated No. 3 in the nation. Only Alabama and Ohio State have higher-rated classes. Pickett joins two other five-star pledges in the Tigers' impressive 2025 class—quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Harlem Berry.

The primary recruiters responsible for landing Pickett's commitment are secondary coach Corey Raymond and defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

LSU's defense was a weak point in 2023, as the Tigers ranked only No. 108 out of the 134 FBS teams. Securing commitments from defensive standouts like Pickett goes a long way to address that shortcoming.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the LSU Tigers and other exciting college football news.