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Coach Brian Kelly and his staff at LSU have long been known for their recruiting prowess, and the class of 2025 is already shaping up to be one of their best yet.
With 24 commitments, the Tigers' 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 3 in the nation and No. 2 in the SEC. Among these commitments are several blue-chip prospects in the secondary, where the program has landed some of the top defensive backs in the country.
Let's look at LSU's top three defensive backs for the 2025 cycle.
Top three defensive backs committed to LSU's 2025 class
#3 Jhase Thomas
Four-star Destrehan safety Jhase Thomas committed to LSU in July, choosing the Tigers over Houston, Ole Miss and Colorado.
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In 2023, Thomas made the move from wide receiver to safety. During his sophomore year, he primarily played receiver while also getting some reps at tight end. He's also a track athlete, recording impressive times of 11.07 in the 100-meter dash and 22.87 in the 200-meter dash last year.
Thomas is ranked by On3 as the nation's No. 270 overall prospect, the No. 22 safety in the 2025 class and the No. 16 recruit in Los Angeles. He's placed by 247 Sports as the No. 38 cornerback in the class and the No. 17 recruit in the state.
#2 Kade Phillips
Four-star cornerback Kade Phillips committed to the LSU Tigers' 2025 class on Sunday. He initially committed to the Texas Longhorns on July 6, and within less than two months, he pulled back his pledge to pick the Tigers.
At six-foot-one and 175-pounds, Phillips is touted as a high upside defensive back who possesses positional flexibility and also excels in track and field. As a junior, he earned a bronze medal in the Texas 6A state meet for the long jump with a leap of 23-11.5. The prospect has posted incredible times of 21.50 in the 200-meter dash and 49.74 in the 400-meter dash.
Phillips is ranked as the nation's No. 65 overall prospect, the No. 7 cornerback in the 2025 class and the No. 16 recruit in the state of Texas, according to On3. As per 247 Sports, he's the nation's No. 233 prospect, the No. 28 cornerback and the No. 32 recruit in the state.
#1 DJ Pickett
Five-star cornerback DJ Pickett announced his commitment to LSU in July, picking the Tigers over Oregon and Miami.
In 2023, Pickett recorded 52 receptions for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns while also contributing 31 tackles and one interception. He recorded 39 tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups, along with 43 receptions for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022.
Pickett is also a standout in track, baseball and basketball. As a junior, he qualified for the state meet in the 100-meter dash and has also won district titles in the 400-meter dash and the long jump.
Pickett is ranked by On3 as the nation's No. 3 overall prospect, the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Florida. As per 247 Sports, he's the nation's No. 9 prospect, the No. 3 cornerback and the No. 1 recruit in the state.
