"That's unfortunate": LSU coach Brian Kelly unpacks the challenges of NIL in modern recruiting

Brian Kelly's LSU lost the commitment of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood to Michigan last month. Kelly and his coaching staff qwew also hit with another blow when five-star cornerback commit Kade Phillips flipped to Texas just a day before the early signing period.

At his early signing period press conference on Wednesday, Brian Kelly didn't hold back, criticizing the growing influence of NIL deals in recruitment.

"It's not just about finding the right fit," Kelly said. "It's about the most money I can get. That's unfortunate, but it's the world we live in."

Underwood’s decision to choose Michigan reportedly came with an NIL package ranging from $10-$13 million. Key figures like Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy reportedly played roles in securing the lucrative deal.

It proves how NIL has transformed Signing Day into what Kelly referred to as "tax day." He acknowledged the challenges of keeping pace in this environment by focusing on the importance of donor participation.

"If you want to be in the big poker game, this is what the ante is," Kelly said. "That was educational for our group and all across the country. We have donors that still don’t want to give to that and I get it, but we are still in the big poker game. We still need support so we can continue to build our roster.”

However, LSU wasn’t totally in the loser's seat, as the Tigers also flipped five-star five-star interior offensive lineman Solomon Thomas from Florida State to cap off the early signing period. He signed with the school on Wednesday morning.

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Brian Kelly praises DJ Pickett's caliber following his signing

LSU might have lost two five-star prospects, but it was successful in keeping five-star cornerback DJ Pickett locked in, who signed with the Tigers on Wednesday. He's regarded as the top cornerback in the 2024 class by On3 and Rivals.

Pickett was pursued by Miami, Oregon and Georgia but stayed loyal to his LSU pledge. Corey Raymond’s return to Baton Rouge as defensive backs coach played a big role in Pickett’s recruitment. Brian Kelly expressed his excitement about Pickett's caliber:

"We believe he is hands down the best CB in the country. Incredible length at 6-4. I don't know if I've ever felt there's a lockdown CB, but he is as close as it gets. And, his film on offense might be even better. He's just elite."

DJ Pickett is the top signee of LSU’s 2025 class, and he symbolizes the school's efforts to reclaim its “DBU” status. He's set to enroll for Brian Kelly's program in January.