In a seismic shift on the recruiting trail, Five-Star Plus+ cornerback DJ Pickett, one of the top-rated players in the 2025 class, has flipped his commitment from LSU to the Georgia Bulldogs. The news has sent shockwaves through college football, as Pickett chose Georgia over a host of elite programs, including Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas.
Pickett, a 6’2”, 185-pound defensive back from Zephyrhills, Florida, is widely regarded as a generational talent at his position. His commitment bolsters Georgia’s already formidable recruiting class and underscores the program’s dominance under head coach Kirby Smart.
DJ Pickett isn’t just another highly ranked recruit; he’s a game-changer. Ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the nation and one of only a handful of Five-Star Plus+ prospects (players rated as five-stars by every major recruiting service), Pickett possesses the size, speed, and instincts that make him a perfect fit for today’s game.
Known for his ability to lock down top receivers, Pickett has drawn comparisons to NFL All-Pro Jalen Ramsey. His physicality, combined with elite ball skills and an uncanny ability to read offenses, makes him a threat on every down. As a junior, he recorded seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and numerous highlight-worthy plays that cemented his status as a can’t-miss prospect.
Pickett’s commitment to LSU earlier in the cycle was seen as a major victory for the Tigers. LSU head coach Brian Kelly prioritized Pickett as a centerpiece of his defensive rebuild, but Georgia’s persistence proved too much to overcome.
In his announcement, Pickett cited Georgia’s track record of developing defensive backs and their consistent success as key reasons for his flip. “Georgia is DBU,” Pickett said. “Coach Smart and Coach Fran Brown laid out a plan for my development that’s second to none. They’ve proven time and again that they know how to prepare players for the NFL, and that’s where I want to be.”
Pickett also praised the culture at Georgia, describing his visits to Athens as transformative. “It feels like family at Georgia. The players, the coaches, the fans—it’s just different there,” he said.
With Pickett’s flip, Georgia continues to build what could become one of the best recruiting classes in the history of college football. The Bulldogs have been a recruiting juggernaut under Kirby Smart, and Pickett’s commitment further cements their status as the nation’s premier destination for elite defensive talent.
This isn’t the first time Georgia has landed a Five-Star Plus+ player, and it likely won’t be the last. The Bulldogs’ ability to develop top-tier talent, coupled with their on-field success, has created an irresistible allure for recruits like Pickett.
Pickett’s commitment has immediate implications for Georgia’s future defense. With his combination of size, speed, and football IQ, he projects as a Day 1 contributor, capable of making an impact in both man and zone coverage schemes.
Georgia’s secondary has been a hallmark of their recent dominance, producing NFL-caliber players like Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell, and Kelee Ringo. Pickett’s addition ensures that pipeline remains strong.
Pickett also brings versatility, with the ability to play as a boundary corner, slot defender, or even a safety if needed. His presence will give Georgia’s defensive staff the flexibility to scheme aggressively, knowing they have a lockdown corner on the field.
For LSU, losing Pickett is a tough blow. The Tigers had hoped to make him the cornerstone of their secondary, but Georgia’s relentless recruiting machine proved too much to fend off. This flip highlights the competitive nature of recruiting at the highest level, where no commitment is ever truly safe until signing day.
Despite the setback, LSU remains in the hunt for other top defensive backs in the 2025 class and will look to regroup as they push to finish strong.
Pickett’s flip is more than just a recruiting win for Georgia; it’s a statement of their continued dominance in the college football landscape. With his commitment, the Bulldogs gain a player who could be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.
As Georgia prepares to defend its national championship aspirations, the addition of a player like Pickett only strengthens their position as the team to beat. For Bulldog fans, his commitment signals that the best is yet to come in Athens.