This recruiting whirlwind brings a hurricane to Miami and Louisiana. It’s rare to see a top prospect find calm seas until the very end. Just look at the case of 5-star cornerback DJ Pickett. Stuck in the tug of war between the Miami Hurricanes and LSU Tigers for quite some time now. But one can’t cross the river by standing on two boats, you’ve to pick sides. And it looks like Pickett did this time.

As usual, Steve Wiltfong, on Whiltfong Whiparound on On3, brought it out for us. This weekend’s visit to Baton Rouge seems to have solidified Pickett’s commitment to Brian Kelly and his Tigers. Although committed to the Bayou Bengals since July, he ran routes to Miami as well. He is a route runner after all, just does it backwards. As the No. 1 cornerback in the nation, DJ Pickett is also the No. 9 ranked player in the 2025 recruiting cycle by 247SportsNow. After an electric weekend in Tiger territory, it seems LSU may have just about locked down this prized prospect.

Not to forget the loss that he saw came at the hands of Alabama, one of LSU’s biggest rivals. The Tigers lost 42-13. But to each their own as On3 podcast, the analyst reported, I think he’s gonna stick with LSU. “I talked to his dad Damian this morning about the visit. Outside of the outcome of the game, they had a fabulous time.” That vibe, combined with the opportunity to connect with future teammates like Bryce Underwood and Harlem Berry, gave Pickett a true sense of belonging and excitement in purple and yellow. He also spent quality time with head coach Brian Kelly.

The canes, meanwhile, face an “uphill battle” to flip Pickett. The 2025 elite CB has several ties to Miami. Our Sunshine State native even has a cousin currently on the roster in Coral Gables. While the Hurricanes remain interested, there’s a slim chance the 6-foot-8 wingspan guy will visit Miami one last time. But even personal relations won’t budge. Such is the aura of the Death Valley. This is no small feat considering Mario Cristobal’s aggressive pursuit to lure recruits has been fruitful so far.

The kid wants to explore rather than stay closer to home in Florida. With three losses this season, the Tigers will essentially miss out on the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Intrigued? Do you want to know what is at the Tiger Stadium that doesn’t meet the eye?

The magic of Corey Raymond on DJ Pickett

Coaches can make or break an athlete’s career. And LSU secondary coach Corey Raymond made sure to make the most of the Tigers’ open date. He jetted off to the Sunshine State. Over the weekend, he checked in on Pickett in Florida. Raymond took advantage of the downtime, hopping on a plane to reconnect with Pickett, reinforcing their bond with another visit. It is his influence to persuade DJ Pickett to host his DJ party exclusively in Louisiana.

Deemed as the architect of “DBU” did it again on the recruiting trail. “I wish [Oregon and Miami] the best, but I’m at LSU now,” Pickett in July. “If you are a DB, and Coach Raymond is at LSU, I feel that’s the right place to be at. That tells you everything right there.” A star-struck, Pickett added. LSU will be hoping he holds his word, as there have been few commitment issues in the league.

Raymond’s recruiting success is well known. From signing Derek Stingley to other Tiger legends, the proof is in the product. He is a recruiting prodigy. And they’ve snagged a game-changer who can shape LSU’s secondary for years to come.