In the world of college football recruiting, momentum can shift overnight. Programs invest countless hours, miles, and resources into identifying top prospects, developing relationships, and making their pitch. Yet, when the momentum swings in favor of an out-of-state rival, especially in a recruit’s home state, it can stir waves throughout the recruiting landscape. That’s precisely the case right now with Texas trending for the No. 1 cornerback in Louisiana, a player who has long been considered an elite LSU target.
The recruit in question is Bryce Underwood’s former 7-on-7 teammate and standout cover man Damarion “DJ” Anderson out of New Orleans. A five-star talent by nearly every major recruiting service, Anderson has developed a reputation as one of the most technically sound and physically gifted defensive backs in the country. Clocking in at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds with blazing speed and a wingspan that suffocates opposing receivers, Anderson is the type of player who changes defensive game plans the moment he steps onto the field.
For LSU, keeping the state’s top-tier talent home has always been both a point of pride and a recruiting necessity. The Tigers have traditionally built championship-caliber rosters by locking down Louisiana’s borders. Anderson fits the mold of past LSU greats — from Patrick Peterson to Derek Stingley Jr. — making it all the more critical for Brian Kelly and his staff to keep him in purple and gold.
But as things stand, that might not happen.
Texas has steadily climbed the leaderboard for Anderson’s services over the last few months, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of defensive backs coach Terry Joseph and head coach Steve Sarkisian. While Anderson’s relationship with LSU’s staff remains positive, sources close to the recruitment suggest the Longhorns have created serious separation. Their pitch? Immediate opportunity, NFL development, and the vision to build something special in Austin.
Anderson’s official visit to Texas in April appears to have been the turning point. Reports indicate that the Longhorns rolled out the red carpet, connecting Anderson not just with coaches but with current players, academic advisors, and alumni who painted a vivid picture of life beyond football. What stood out most to Anderson was the Longhorns’ plan for him in their defensive scheme — a plan that centers around playing early, being developed like an NFL athlete, and stepping into a leadership role as a true freshman.
There’s also the matter of NIL, which, while not the deciding factor for all recruits, cannot be ignored in today’s landscape. Texas has positioned itself as one of the premier destinations for athletes seeking high-level football and substantial off-the-field opportunities. The Longhorns’ NIL infrastructure is well-documented, and while specific numbers related to Anderson have not been disclosed, insiders believe the Longhorns’ package is among the most competitive he’s been offered.
Meanwhile, LSU isn’t going down without a fight. The Tigers hosted Anderson for multiple unofficial visits during the spring and have made it clear that he remains a top priority. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker and cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples have both spent considerable time with Anderson and his family, emphasizing the tradition of elite DB play in Baton Rouge and the chance to be the next in a storied line.
But despite LSU’s best efforts, there’s a growing sense of unease in Baton Rouge. One source close to the program described Anderson’s recruitment as “tilting dangerously,” noting that while the Tigers are still in the mix, they’re no longer in control. The optics of losing Louisiana’s top defensive back to Texas would sting, especially in light of the recruiting wars heating up between the SEC powerhouses.
This isn’t the first time Texas has made noise in Louisiana. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have made it a point to recruit nationally — and aggressively. Whether it’s flipping top talent from Alabama or stealing blue-chip prospects from SEC territory, Texas is showing that it won’t be limited by geography. The Longhorns’ move to the SEC has only supercharged that ambition, making them a legitimate threat to traditional recruiting powers in the South.
Anderson himself has been measured and mature throughout the process, careful not to tip his hand too early. He’s publicly praised both Texas and LSU, along with other programs like Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia, who have been in steady contact. But behind the scenes, those in the know say Texas holds the edge — for now.
His decision timeline remains fluid. Initially expected to commit before the start of his senior season, Anderson may now take additional visits and possibly wait until the early signing period to make a final choice. That gives LSU time to regroup, recalibrate, and re-engage. The Tigers aren’t out — not by a long shot. But they’ll need to counter Texas’ momentum in a meaningful way, and soon.
Part of LSU’s strategy might hinge on proximity. Anderson has strong ties to the New Orleans area and a family support system deeply connected to Louisiana. For some recruits, the pull of home can be powerful — especially when family members can easily attend games and practices. LSU is banking on that familiarity and the chance to be a home-state hero to sway Anderson back into the fold.
But if Texas continues its surge, it will mark yet another major recruiting victory for the Longhorns, who are assembling what could be a top-three national class in 2025. With quarterback Trey Owens already locked in, and several other elite prospects leaning toward Austin, Anderson’s potential commitment would send an unmistakable message: Texas is back — not just on the field, but on the recruiting trail, where championships are truly born.
Coaches often say that recruiting is the lifeblood of a program. For Texas, nabbing Anderson from LSU’s backyard would be more than just a win. It would be a statement. It would signal to the rest of the SEC that the Longhorns are here to compete, to disrupt, and to build something that lasts.
For LSU, losing Anderson would sting not just because of his talent, but because of what it would represent. The Tigers pride themselves on being the destination for Louisiana’s best — the place where kids grow up dreaming of playing in Death Valley under the lights. To have one of their own leave for Texas would raise questions about whether that homegrown loyalty still holds the same weight in the NIL era and beyond.
The weeks ahead will be telling. With summer approaching and official visits in full swing, the recruiting battles will only intensify. LSU will undoubtedly make its push, Texas will continue to apply pressure, and Anderson will weigh the pros and cons of each option. It’s a high-stakes poker game, and every visit, every conversation, every social media post carries weight.
As of now, Texas is holding the best hand. But in recruiting, hands can change quickly — especially when home-state pride and powerhouse programs collide. Whether Anderson ultimately chooses Austin or Baton Rouge, his decision will ripple far beyond the Louisiana border. It will shape the outlook of two programs with national title aspirations and signal where the balance of power might lie in the ever-evolving SEC arms race.
Texas fans have every reason to be excited. Anderson represents the type of difference-maker who can elevate an entire defense. His speed, instincts, and ability to lock down one side of the field make him a future Sunday player. Pairing him with the Longhorns’ young, athletic secondary could give Texas one of the most feared pass defenses in the conference by 2026.
But for that to happen, the Longhorns must close. And for LSU, the challenge is clear — keep the elite talent home, or risk watching one of their most coveted prospects suit up in burnt orange. In a recruitment filled with twists and turns, one thing remains certain: all eyes are now on Damarion Anderson.
Will Texas complete the flip and strike gold in Louisiana? Or will LSU remind the world that when it comes to keeping local legends, no one does it better? Only time — and one young man’s decision — will tell.