LSU faces a test in keeping hold of five-star cornerback DJ Pickett. Having secured his commitment to the program a few months back, the Tigers could be bracing for a storm, more appropriately a hurricane coming their way. With their win over the Louisville Cardinals, the Miami Hurricanes have registered seven straight victories and Pickett’s head may be turning in the direction of the Hard Rock Stadium.

Mario Cristobal and his boys have registered winning scores of 50 or more four times this season, with the highlight being the 62-0 thrashing of Ball State. They are second in the ACC and look well-placed for a championship challenge and that could be a huge factor in swaying Pickett’s decision and the player’s plans will have Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers sweating.

DJ Pickett’s LSU commitment faces a big test

It has been only three months since Pickett committed to Kelly’s program back in July. While Oregon Ducks and Miami Hurricanes were already in line, the No.2 cornerback and No.6 overall player thought it wise to be a part of the Tigers. But the present time is a bit crucial since the programs are pushing for flips. That’s what Cristobal is doing with the LSU’s 5-star commit, Pickett.

Going by the reports, the CB will be flying off to Miami for his visit this weekend. On this note, team and recruiting writer Izubee Charles poured in with some quick updates, “DJ Pickett has been Miami’s guy for the entirety of this cycle and despite him committing to LSU they still continue to push and kind of put that full court press on him.”

But why does the writer say so? Well, Pickett is a Florida native and LSU fought hard to beat out the athlete’s home-state teams. Going by the plans, he was supposed to take a trip to Baton Rouge, but as Charles pointed out “things fell through he didn’t end up taking that trip.” Pickett’s decision to commit to LSU came as a surprise and it looks like the program faces a tough stretch to keep him interested in them.

The program has already started taking shape and building a team around Pickett. Kelly brought secondary coach Corey Raymond back to LSU with the hope of landing defensive backs of Pickett’s caliber. They have been able to acquire the likes of Kade Phillips, Jacob Bradford, and Aidan Anding which bodes well for their 2025 chances. But any progress will largely depend on whether they can keep Pickett.

However, an update from On3’s Steve Wiltfong won’t ease the Tigers’ fears. “Mario Cristobal has been relentless in his communication. But I think the push is only going to continue as you get close to the early signing period in December,” Wiltfong noted. 

In case, Pickett picks Miami, it will be a blow to LSU, who lost Lance Heard to Tennessee a few months back. But they can take heart from when Pickett shared his reason behind his commitment to LSU

DJ Pickett’s IG reveal will soothe LSU fans

Well, the CB came at a crucial time when LSU was in hot water. Back in July, they had lost their 5-star OL Lance Heard to Tennessee. So landing Pickett, known for his tremendous size at 6-foot-4 with a reported 6-foot-8 wingspan, had to be a big win for Kelly and the army. But now it looks like Pickett’s honeymoon period is over now that he is looking at other options outside the Tigers.

And Miami is first on the list. But maybe it’s too early to jump to conclusions. After all, don’t forget the reason why Pickett had committed to Kelly’s program. The CB went live on IG revealing the reason behind his choice which came off as a big surprise. 

He started by building suspense, “All of the schools (hats) on this table are good schools. They all make me feel comfortable.” Right after that DJ Pickett cut to the chase, “I see myself there [LSU]. They just have the resources that I like. If you a DB and (secondary )coach Corey Raymond’s at LSU, I feel that’s the place to be at.”

LSU will hope their biggest prospect will still feel the same way and doesn’t trade Tiger territory for Miami’s sunshine!”