The college football recruiting world never sleeps, and LSU has once again made waves by extending a scholarship offer to one of the most coveted defensive backs in the 2025 class — a Florida State commit who is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in the Southeast. The Tigers, always aggressive on the trail and unafraid to go toe-to-toe with top-tier programs, have zeroed in on four-star cornerback Amari Wallace, a standout talent out of Miami (FL) Central High School who committed to Florida State back in January. But commitment or not, LSU is coming strong — and it’s clear Brian Kelly and his staff believe Wallace could be a game-changer in Baton Rouge.
Wallace, listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds, has the kind of length, twitch, and ball-hawking instincts that power modern secondaries in the SEC. He’s a true cover corner with experience against elite competition in Florida’s highly competitive 305 region. His junior season tape pops off the screen — fluid hips, impressive closing speed, and an aggressive mindset at the line of scrimmage. Those attributes have made him one of the top-30 cornerbacks in the nation according to most major recruiting services, and while Florida State locked in his commitment early, that hasn’t stopped other schools from circling — and now LSU has officially joined the chase.
Sources close to the situation say LSU’s offer isn’t just a token gesture. It comes with full backing from defensive coordinator Blake Baker and secondary coach Kerry Cooks, both of whom are pushing hard to establish a presence in Florida. The Tigers already have a solid defensive back group in their 2025 class, but Wallace is viewed as a potential plug-and-play contributor who could compete early in his career. LSU has prioritized versatility and man coverage ability in its recent recruiting strategy, and Wallace fits that mold to a tee.
The decision to pursue Wallace — even with his Florida State commitment in place — is reflective of the high-stakes, fluid nature of modern recruiting. NIL has changed the game, yes, but so has the transfer portal and the de-emphasis of verbal commitments. These days, a pledge is a starting point, not a finish line. And programs like LSU, who are trying to vault back into College Football Playoff contention, understand they need to shoot their shot with elite talent, regardless of how firm the commitment may appear.
For Wallace, the LSU offer adds to an already long list of Power Five suitors. In addition to Florida State and LSU, he holds offers from programs like Alabama, Miami, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon. But it’s the timing of LSU’s move that raises eyebrows. With spring football in full swing and Wallace beginning to plan out his summer visits, LSU’s staff is hoping to get him on campus in Baton Rouge sooner rather than later. If they can make that happen, sources believe they could quickly become a legitimate threat to flip him.
This wouldn’t be the first time LSU has successfully flipped a Florida State commit. The recruiting ties between the two programs run deep, and LSU has always made Florida a key part of its recruiting footprint. With Miami-area recruits especially, LSU has long been seen as one of the few non-Florida schools with real staying power. The Tigers’ blend of SEC prestige, NFL pipeline, and off-field investment in player development — including NIL opportunities — make it a natural fit for blue-chip Florida prospects who are open to leaving the state.
There’s also a broader context to this offer. LSU’s secondary has been under scrutiny in recent seasons, and Brian Kelly has been vocal about needing more depth and consistency on the back end. The 2024 season exposed some holes in the defensive backfield, especially in big games where coverage breakdowns proved costly. Adding a player like Wallace wouldn’t just be about depth — it would be a statement. LSU wants to return to DBU status, and that means winning head-to-head battles for top corners.
What makes Wallace so intriguing is his mentality. Coaches rave about his competitiveness, leadership, and willingness to take on top assignments. At Central, he often shadows the opponent’s best receiver and embraces the spotlight. That mindset would be welcomed at LSU, where fans expect defensive backs to play with swagger and pride. Wallace also brings value on special teams and could see early snaps as a returner thanks to his vision and straight-line speed.
Recruiting battles like this one are often about relationships, and LSU is working quickly to establish those ties. Coach Cooks has been in consistent contact, and there’s a growing belief that the Tigers’ message is resonating. While Wallace has not publicly wavered on his commitment to Florida State, he’s also been clear that he plans to take other visits and keep his options open. That’s all LSU needs to hear. With a summer visit on the table and an aggressive pitch in play, the Tigers are fully in the mix.
Of course, Florida State isn’t going to let Wallace go without a fight. Mike Norvell and his staff were among the first major programs to identify Wallace’s upside, and they’ve built a strong relationship with both the player and his family. The Seminoles’ recent resurgence on the field and in recruiting has made them a formidable force, and keeping top in-state talent like Wallace home is a big part of their strategy moving forward. But as one source put it: “When LSU wants in, they don’t knock — they kick the door down.”
Wallace is expected to release an updated list of schools he plans to visit in the coming weeks, and the presence — or absence — of LSU on that list will be telling. If the Tigers can get him to Baton Rouge for an official or even an unofficial visit, it could swing momentum in their favor. Those inside the program believe that once prospects experience LSU’s atmosphere firsthand — especially during big visit weekends — it often changes the entire dynamic of their recruitment.
Brian Kelly’s recruiting philosophy has always centered around relentless pursuit and selective aggression. He doesn’t just offer every high-profile player in the country — there’s a process. The LSU staff evaluates, discusses fit, and makes sure their targets align with both scheme and culture. In Wallace’s case, there’s alignment across the board. He’s the kind of player who can elevate a secondary, set a tone in the locker room, and eventually become an NFL Draft pick.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle ramps up, expect LSU to stay aggressive, particularly on defense. The Tigers have already built an impressive foundation in this class, but adding a player of Wallace’s caliber would take it to another level. It would also send a message to the rest of the SEC — and to Florida State — that LSU is playing for keeps.
The recruiting trail is never short on drama, and this developing storyline is one to watch closely. While Wallace remains committed to Florida State for now, LSU’s entrance into the picture could make things very interesting down the stretch. And in a sport where fortunes can change overnight, don’t be surprised if this recruitment becomes one of the most talked-about in the Southeast before all is said and done.
For LSU, the mission is simple: land Amari Wallace, solidify the secondary, and keep climbing toward championship contention. The road to signing day is long and full of twists, but the Tigers have made their move. Now, it’s up to the staff to close — and for Wallace to decide whether Baton Rouge might be a better fit than Tallahassee after all.