Brian Kelly, LSU nab third five-star 2025 recruit

Before the 2024 season begins, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has already solidified the Tigers' core for the next few years.

On Wednesday, five-star class of 2025 athlete D.J. Pickett announced his commitment to LSU. He's the third five-star recruit Kelly has added to next year's class, joining quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Harlem Berry.

Per 247Sports , LSU currently has the fourth-ranked 2025 recruiting class and is one of three programs (Alabama, Ohio State) with at least three five-stars.

Underwood is the top-ranked player in the class, while Pickett ranks sixth in 247 Sports' composite rankings. Berry is the highest-ranked running back in the class and the No. 16 prospect overall.

Per ESPN , Pickett explained why he chose LSU over Oregon and Miami, his two other finalists.

"Me and [LSU secondary coach] Corey Raymond have a good bond... I'm a big relationship guy. And LSU is DBU," he said.

LSU has been the home of several future NFL star defensive backs, including Patrick Peterson, Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Rams cornerback Tre'Davious White.

ESPN's Eli Lederman notes that Pickett had 31 tackles and an interception as a junior in 2023 while also pulling double duty as a 1,000-yard receiver.

He could be the next great defensive back to play in purple and gold, and with the talent Kelly has amassed in 2025, he could be part of LSU's next championship roster.

Kelly's done a solid job of rebuilding the Tigers. He inherited a program that had gone 11-12 in the two seasons after winning the 2019 national title and has gone 20-7, recording the second-most wins for an LSU head coach in his first two seasons.

Last year, quarterback Jayden Daniels became the second Tigers player in five seasons to win the Heisman Trophy.

At SEC media days this week, Kelly revealed that, despite his success, he still has work to do to get LSU to where it should be under his watch.

"Clearly, being the No. 1 offensive in the country was not good enough. I think you have to have much more balance," Kelly said.

With the SEC's additions of Texas and Oklahoma, the conference has become much more difficult. Per ESPN Bet , LSU (+1000) ranks fifth in preseason odds to win the SEC.

While we shouldn't count out the Kelly and the Tigers to make noise this season, with a loaded recruiting class incoming, the best is likely still to come.