Breaking News: Five-Star CB DJ Pickett Decommits from LSU Tigers, Chooses Georgia Bulldogs Over Tennessee, Clemson, and Alabama
In a stunning move that has rocked the college football recruiting world, five-star cornerback DJ Pickett has decommitted from LSU and pledged his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. This decision ends the Tigers’ hopes of securing the highly coveted cornerback and sends shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, with Pickett’s final choice coming after months of speculation and intense recruitment battles from top programs like Tennessee, Clemson, and Alabama.
Pickett, a standout from a powerhouse high school program, has been regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class. With his exceptional speed, athleticism, and coverage skills, Pickett was considered a key piece in LSU’s future defensive backfield. His decision to decommit from the Tigers, a program he had verbally committed to months ago, sent a clear signal that the recruiting race was far from over.
In an exclusive statement, Pickett shared the reasoning behind his decision to part ways with LSU. “I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me, but after a lot of thought and conversations with my family, I’ve realized that Georgia is the best place for me to develop both as a player and a person. I’ve always admired their defense and the way they’ve developed defensive backs. It feels like the right fit.”
The announcement comes after months of mounting pressure from other elite programs eager to secure Pickett’s services. Tennessee, Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia had all been in the mix, but it was the Bulldogs who ultimately emerged victorious. Georgia’s tradition of producing NFL-ready talent, combined with their current success as one of the nation’s top programs, proved to be irresistible for the talented cornerback.
Georgia’s defensive coordinator, a major factor in the recruitment, has played a key role in wooing Pickett to Athens. The Bulldogs have established themselves as a dominant force in college football, particularly on defense. Over the past few seasons, Georgia has churned out elite cornerbacks and defensive backs, a trend that made them especially attractive to Pickett. The opportunity to work under Georgia’s highly regarded coaching staff and play for a team with national championship aspirations was a major selling point.
For Tennessee, Clemson, and Alabama, the news is disappointing but not entirely surprising. Each of these programs had worked hard to gain Pickett’s commitment, with Tennessee showing particular interest due to their growing defensive backfield and head coach Josh Heupel’s offensive-heavy system. Clemson and Alabama also presented strong cases, but Georgia’s established culture and current success were simply too powerful to overcome.
Pickett’s commitment to Georgia adds yet another layer to an already stacked recruiting class for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have been on a roll in recent years, consistently bringing in top-tier talent, and Pickett’s commitment solidifies their place among the elite. For head coach Kirby Smart, securing a player of Pickett’s caliber is a significant achievement that will only strengthen Georgia’s chances of continuing its dominance in the SEC.
While LSU’s loss is Georgia’s gain, the Tigers will now shift their focus to finding a suitable replacement. Pickett’s decommitment leaves a void in LSU’s future defensive backfield, and the coaching staff will need to regroup and continue their recruiting efforts to stay competitive in the SEC.
As for Pickett, his decision marks a significant moment in his recruiting journey. His commitment to Georgia is sure to have a major impact on the 2025 recruiting cycle, with the Bulldogs now poised to continue their recruiting dominance in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates as DJ Pickett embarks on his journey to Athens, where he will look to leave his mark on one of the nation’s premier defensive programs.