The race for one of the top football prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle just got a lot more interesting—and potentially worrisome for LSU fans. Dakorien Williams, the five-star wide receiver from Acadiana High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, and widely regarded as the best player in the state, has officially scheduled an official visit to the University of Southern California.
Williams, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound speedster with elite route-running ability and sticky hands, has been a priority target for LSU since his freshman season. And for good reason. The in-state phenom has racked up over 2,300 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns over the past two years, drawing comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr. not just because of his Louisiana roots, but because of his explosive play style and competitive fire.
For LSU and head coach Brian Kelly, keeping top in-state talent home has always been a point of emphasis. In fact, it’s often considered a litmus test for how healthy the program is. Lose top Louisiana talent to out-of-state programs, and questions immediately start swirling about culture, recruiting relationships, and the long-term outlook of the Tigers. So when news broke this week that Williams had set a date to visit USC in June, alarm bells started ringing in Baton Rouge.
This isn’t just a case of a high-profile player taking in the national college football scene. Williams has long been considered a lock to stay close to home. LSU has led in his recruitment for months, and his ties to the state and the program run deep. He’s developed a close relationship with Tigers wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton, and his family has been vocal about their appreciation for LSU’s commitment to player development and NIL opportunities.
But as is so often the case in modern college football recruiting, nothing is set in stone until pen meets paper on National Signing Day.
USC’s entry into the Williams sweepstakes raises the stakes considerably. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have quickly emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for top offensive players. Riley’s track record with quarterbacks and receivers—from Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray to CeeDee Lamb and Jordan Addison—speaks for itself. He’s built a system that showcases wide receivers in ways that appeal directly to NFL evaluators. For someone like Williams, who dreams of being a first-round pick and playing on Sundays, the Trojans’ pitch is potent.
What makes the timing of this visit particularly intriguing is that it comes as Williams begins to narrow down his list of finalists. In recent weeks, he’s made it clear that he wants to commit before the start of his senior season to avoid distractions and allow him to focus on leading Acadiana to a state title. That gives schools like LSU, USC, Texas, and Georgia a narrow window to make their case—and USC may have just thrown the biggest wrench into LSU’s carefully laid plans.
Sources close to Williams suggest that the decision to visit USC wasn’t made on a whim. He’s reportedly been impressed with the program’s recent additions through the transfer portal, including top-tier offensive linemen and a young, ascending quarterback room. While it’s unclear if USC has surged into the top two just yet, insiders say the Trojans have “serious momentum” heading into the summer.
For LSU, the challenge is clear: reaffirm its position as the best fit for Williams, both on and off the field. There’s no denying the talent development that’s taken place in Baton Rouge over the past several years, especially at the wide receiver position. From Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson to Malik Nabers and Kayshon Boutte, the Tigers have sent wave after wave of elite pass catchers to the NFL. Williams knows this. He’s seen the success firsthand. But LSU’s staff can’t afford to take that history for granted, especially not when Lincoln Riley is on the other end of the phone, offering a chance to be the next Jordan Addison in a glitzy LA offense.
Williams has also drawn interest from the usual powerhouse suspects. Georgia and Texas remain firmly in the hunt, with both programs having hosted Williams on unofficial visits this spring. Georgia’s pitch revolves around winning at the highest level, elite defensive support, and a proven ability to compete for national championships. Texas, meanwhile, has leaned heavily on its NIL infrastructure, branding opportunities, and the allure of playing in the SEC beginning in 2025.
Despite those efforts, LSU had been considered the overwhelming favorite—until now.
Recruiting experts still view the Tigers as the team to beat, but the addition of a USC visit throws just enough uncertainty into the equation to make things uncomfortable. Williams is known for being methodical and measured in his process. He’s not one to make rash decisions or chase headlines. But he is one to do his homework, and that means giving each contender a legitimate shot to make their case in person.
Make no mistake, USC’s move isn’t just about football. The Trojans are also leveraging their Los Angeles location, world-class media training, and proximity to major entertainment brands to appeal to recruits looking to expand their personal brand. With the NIL era in full swing, these off-field factors are now just as important as depth charts and development plans. For a player with the star power and charisma of Williams, the chance to build a name beyond the game may be as enticing as anything football-related.
Of course, LSU isn’t without its counterpunch. The Tigers have built an impressive NIL ecosystem of their own, and few programs can match the support and passion of the LSU fanbase. Williams would instantly become the face of the 2025 recruiting class, and Baton Rouge would treat him like royalty the moment he arrives on campus. The familiarity, family atmosphere, and legacy factor all work in LSU’s favor.
But visits matter. And USC is banking on the idea that once Williams sets foot on campus, meets with Riley and his staff, and gets a feel for the culture, he’ll begin to view the Trojans as more than just a distant West Coast option. They’re hoping it becomes a legitimate contender—maybe even a surprise winner.
The visit is scheduled for the second weekend in June, and it’s expected to be part of a larger recruiting push by USC, which will be hosting several top-tier prospects that weekend. Williams will be treated to a red-carpet experience, complete with tours of the Coliseum, photo ops in full uniform, and one-on-one time with Riley and wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons. USC’s plan is to make it impossible for him to say no.
As the summer approaches, the recruiting war for Williams will only intensify. LSU has no intention of backing down, and sources say they are considering moving up their official visit date to counter USC’s momentum. Georgia, Texas, and possibly Oregon are also expected to make late pushes. But with Williams intent on committing before August, the clock is ticking.
For now, LSU remains in the driver’s seat—but they’re not alone on the road anymore.
The coming weeks will be critical. Every phone call, every text, every social media interaction will carry more weight. Every visit will be dissected and analyzed by coaches, fans, and recruiting insiders alike. And for a fanbase as passionate and football-obsessed as LSU’s, the idea of losing the state’s top player to a program more than 1,500 miles away is almost unthinkable.
Still, this is the modern landscape of college football recruiting. The days of assuming in-state stars will stay home are long gone. Today’s recruits are savvier, more brand-conscious, and more open to adventure than ever before. They’re looking for the full package—development, exposure, and opportunity. And USC, with its blend of football tradition, offensive firepower, and off-field branding potential, believes it has that package.
The pressure is now squarely on LSU to prove it has something even better.
Williams may be taking his time, but the decisions being made in the next 60 days will shape the future of not only his college career, but potentially the national recruiting narrative for the 2025 class. One visit to Los Angeles could change everything. Or, it could reaffirm that there’s no place like home.
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: all eyes in Louisiana—and beyond—will be watching.