Elite 4-star defensive lineman Deuce Geralds, one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2025 class, has officially announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers, giving head coach Brian Kelly and his staff a massive win on the recruiting trail. Geralds, who stars for Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, chose LSU over a star-studded list of programs that included Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, Ole Miss, and several other national powers. His decision marks not only a personal milestone but also a statement about the direction and competitiveness of LSU’s recruiting efforts heading into the future. For months, Geralds’ recruitment had been one of the most closely watched in the Southeast, with elite programs making their strongest pitches. The battle for his commitment intensified throughout the summer as official visits rolled in, and each of the finalists had compelling cases to make. Oregon brought its flashy uniforms, West Coast swagger, and a track record of producing NFL defensive talent under Dan Lanning. Ohio State had its storied tradition, defensive line pedigree under Larry Johnson, and the allure of playing for a perennial Big Ten powerhouse. Michigan offered stability, a proven winning culture, and recent national championship contention under Jim Harbaugh. Ole Miss was a dark horse with Lane Kiffin’s offensive buzz and newfound energy in recruiting, while still selling the SEC lifestyle. But in the end, LSU’s combination of tradition, development, and a vision for Geralds’ role in their defense proved irresistible.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at around 275 pounds, Geralds has the physical traits that make him an immediate fit for high-level SEC football. His blend of size, strength, and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage has made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines at the high school level. He has a quick first step, an ability to collapse pockets from the interior, and the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive front. LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker reportedly made Geralds a top priority from the moment the Tigers got involved, projecting him as a day-one contributor once he arrives in Baton Rouge. The Tigers’ pitch to Geralds centered not just on football, but on personal development, education, and life after the game. Geralds himself has mentioned in interviews that LSU felt “like home” during his visits, citing the relationships he built with the coaching staff, the competitive environment in practice, and the family-like atmosphere within the program.
This commitment also signals LSU’s continued dominance in recruiting the defensive front. Historically, the Tigers have produced some of the best defensive linemen in college football—names like Glenn Dorsey, Tyson Jackson, Michael Brockers, and most recently, Maason Smith have all worn the purple and gold. Geralds appears poised to add his name to that tradition. His commitment is particularly significant because it represents another recruiting victory for LSU outside its home state. Georgia is a recruiting battleground filled with blue-chip talent, and pulling an elite player like Geralds out of there—especially with Georgia and other SEC programs lurking—shows LSU’s national pull and the persuasive power of its staff.
For Collins Hill High School, this marks yet another success story in producing top-tier football talent. The program has become known for sending players to Power Five programs and even the NFL. Geralds has been a cornerstone for the Eagles’ defense, consistently racking up tackles for loss, sacks, and disruptive plays that change the momentum of games. He’s been recognized not only for his on-field production but also for his leadership and work ethic, traits that LSU values highly. On the recruiting circuit, Geralds has impressed scouts at every major camp and combine he’s attended, often being singled out for his technique, hand usage, and ability to disengage from blocks. His motor is relentless, and his football IQ allows him to anticipate plays before they develop, a skill that will only sharpen under LSU’s coaching.
One of the underlying factors in Geralds’ decision appears to be LSU’s player development pipeline to the NFL. The Tigers have long been considered a destination for recruits with professional aspirations, and the track record is undeniable. LSU defensive linemen consistently hear their names called in the NFL Draft, and the program prides itself on preparing its players for the next level both physically and mentally. For Geralds, the opportunity to be molded by that system while competing against the best in the SEC was a major selling point. He will have the chance to test himself against top-tier offensive lines on a weekly basis, and that kind of competition is invaluable for any prospect looking to elevate his game.
The timing of Geralds’ commitment is also important for LSU. Coming midway through the summer, it provides a surge of momentum heading into the final stretch before the season. It sends a clear message to other recruits that LSU remains a major player in national recruiting battles, even when competing against programs with equal or greater proximity to a prospect’s home. With Geralds now on board, LSU can turn its attention to locking down other key targets while building relationships that could lead to more commitments from high-profile prospects in the Southeast and beyond.
His pledge could also have a ripple effect, particularly with other defensive linemen in the 2025 class. Recruits pay attention to who commits where, and a high-profile player like Geralds can influence peers to take a closer look at LSU. The idea of forming an elite defensive front together can be a compelling motivator, and Geralds has the charisma and reputation to help in that regard. His commitment also gives LSU fans plenty to be excited about, as they envision the havoc he could wreak on opposing offenses once he dons the purple and gold.
For now, Geralds will finish out his senior season at Collins Hill, where expectations will be high. He’ll enter the year as one of the top defensive linemen in the nation, and opposing offenses will likely game-plan specifically to limit his impact. Even so, Geralds has shown the ability to overcome double teams and creative blocking schemes, which only speaks to his dominance. If he continues to refine his technique and add to his already impressive arsenal of pass-rush moves.
