In the competitive world of college football recruiting, no commitment is ever truly final until the ink is dry on National Signing Day. That reality was made abundantly clear when five-star LSU commit DJ Pickett, one of the top-rated prospects in the 2025 class, took an unofficial visit to the University of Miami. The development quickly stirred conversation across the recruiting landscape and raised an important question for LSU fans and staff alike: should the Tigers be concerned?
DJ Pickett, the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the country according to several recruiting services, verbally committed to LSU in July. His decision was seen as a major win for head coach Brian Kelly and his staff, especially secondary coach Corey Raymond, who played a pivotal role in bringing Pickett into the fold. Pickett praised the Tigers for their history of developing NFL-caliber defensive backs, and his family has publicly supported his decision to commit to LSU. But as is often the case with elite high school recruits, the process rarely ends with a verbal pledge.
The visit to Miami was not Pickett’s first interaction with the Hurricanes. A native of Zephyrhills, Florida, Pickett has longstanding ties to the state and its flagship programs. Miami, Florida, and Florida State have all aggressively recruited him, and despite his commitment to LSU, those programs have never relented in their pursuit. Miami in particular has emerged as a formidable player, with head coach Mario Cristobal making Pickett a priority target. The Hurricanes are banking on their proximity, their own legacy at the cornerback position, and their aggressive NIL strategy to flip Pickett before signing day.
The optics of Pickett’s visit to Miami are understandably alarming to LSU fans. In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals can heavily influence a recruit’s final decision, Miami has been at the forefront of using NIL to its advantage. Multiple reports have indicated that the Hurricanes are offering highly competitive packages to elite prospects, and Pickett is exactly the kind of player who could benefit from such an arrangement. While no details of a specific NIL offer have been made public, the possibility remains a significant factor.
For LSU, the challenge now becomes one of holding firm and reinforcing the value proposition they initially presented to Pickett. The Tigers have several key selling points. First and foremost is their history as “DBU,” or Defensive Back University. LSU has a long-standing tradition of producing NFL stars in the secondary, including names like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Tre’Davious White, and most recently, Derek Stingley Jr. That pedigree still carries weight with recruits who envision themselves making it to the next level.
Then there’s the coaching staff, particularly Corey Raymond, who returned to LSU after a brief stint at Florida. Raymond has been instrumental in developing top-tier defensive back talent and has a relationship with Pickett that dates back several years. His return to Baton Rouge helped seal Pickett’s commitment in the first place and could prove crucial in keeping it intact. If Pickett values continuity and development, LSU still offers one of the most stable and proven environments.
However, Pickett’s interest in Miami should not be brushed off as a mere courtesy visit. Recruits at his level are meticulous in their decision-making, and every visit, conversation, and development could influence their final choice. Miami offers a compelling alternative. Under Cristobal, the Hurricanes have invested heavily in facilities, staff, and recruiting infrastructure. Their NIL collective, backed by wealthy alumni and business interests, has been active and strategic. Add in the hometown appeal and the presence of family members or friends close to the program, and it’s easy to see why Pickett might still be listening.
LSU must also grapple with the broader reality of the modern recruiting landscape. The rise of the transfer portal and NIL has made it increasingly difficult to project how long a player will stay committed or even remain with a program after enrolling. This means LSU’s staff must not only focus on locking in Pickett’s commitment but also ensuring he feels valued and supported every step of the way. The Tigers need to continue engaging him on a personal level, making him feel like a future cornerstone of the program.
One critical advantage LSU still holds is their on-field product. The Tigers have shown competitiveness in the SEC, and with a strong 2025 recruiting class shaping up, the program has the potential to be in the College Football Playoff conversation in the years to come. For players like Pickett who are focused on winning at the highest level and preparing for the NFL, being part of a high-performing team matters. LSU has a realistic chance to offer that platform.
Another factor working in LSU’s favor is timing. National Signing Day is still months away, and a lot can happen between now and then. LSU’s coaching staff will have ample opportunities to bring Pickett back to campus, continue building relationships with his family, and reinforce why Baton Rouge is the best place for his future. Official visits, in-home meetings, and constant communication will be key in maintaining momentum.
Still, it would be naive for LSU to feel entirely comfortable. Miami is not alone in continuing to push for Pickett. Other programs could enter the fray with compelling pitches, especially if LSU stumbles on the field or if other variables—like NIL offers or coaching changes—come into play. That’s why vigilance is critical. The LSU staff must operate with the understanding that keeping Pickett will require as much effort as landing him in the first place.
Ultimately, should LSU be concerned? The honest answer is yes—but not panicked. Concern is a healthy reaction, especially given the stakes involved and the caliber of talent Pickett represents. His visit to Miami is a reminder that in today’s recruiting world, nothing is guaranteed. LSU must treat him as an uncommitted prospect until he signs, continuing to invest the time, energy, and resources necessary to secure his signature.
Recruiting battles for five-star players are marathons, not sprints. The race for DJ Pickett is far from over, and LSU still has a strong hand to play. But with Miami lurking—and possibly others—it’s clear that the Tigers can’t afford to ease up. They need to keep pushing, keep persuading, and most importantly, keep proving why LSU remains the right choice. Only then can they turn what is currently a verbal commitment into a lasting one that holds up on signing day and beyond.
