Michigan State cornerback target and West Virginia Mountaineers are being pursued by LSU football.
LSU Football, under the guidance of head coach Brian Kelly and defensive backs coach Corey Raymond, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing its secondary. The recruitment of cornerbacks has been a focal point, aiming to bolster the defensive unit’s performance and depth. Recent developments highlight the competitive nature of college football recruiting, with LSU vying for top-tier cornerback prospects amidst interest from other programs such as Michigan State and West Virginia.(SI)
DJ Pickett, a standout cornerback from Zephyrhills, Florida, has emerged as a significant addition to LSU’s 2025 recruiting class. Recognized as a five-star recruit and the top cornerback nationally by On3.com and Rivals.com, Pickett’s commitment underscores LSU’s strategic focus on securing elite talent for its secondary. His high school career boasts impressive statistics, including 658 receiving yards and five interceptions in his senior year, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities .(Wikipedia)
Mansoor Delane, a cornerback currently in the NCAA Transfer Portal, has attracted attention from LSU’s coaching staff. Delane’s experience and skills position him as a valuable asset for teams seeking to strengthen their defensive backfield. While LSU has shown interest, the competition for Delane’s commitment is anticipated to be intense, with several programs vying for his services .(SI)
Michigan State has been proactive in enhancing its cornerback roster. The Spartans successfully flipped Terrance “Deuce” Edwards from a commitment to West Virginia, securing his services for the 2025 season. Edwards, a high-three-star prospect from Richmond, Virginia, cited the opportunity to develop under Michigan State’s coaching staff as a decisive factor in his decision .(Rivals)
Additionally, Michigan State added former LSU cornerback Jeremiah Hughes via the transfer portal. Hughes, who played in all 13 games for LSU as a true freshman in 2023, brings valuable experience to the Spartans’ secondary. His familiarity with Michigan State’s coaching staff, particularly secondary coach Blue Adams, facilitated a smooth transition and commitment .(On3)
West Virginia faced setbacks in its cornerback recruitment efforts. The Mountaineers lost Terrance Edwards to Michigan State, which was a significant blow to their 2025 recruiting class. Despite initial commitments, the competitive nature of college football recruiting led to challenges in retaining top talent .
LSU’s approach to cornerback recruitment reflects a strategic emphasis on securing top-tier talent to enhance its defensive capabilities. The commitment of DJ Pickett and the interest in Mansoor Delane illustrate LSU’s proactive stance in strengthening its secondary. While Michigan State’s recent additions may pose challenges, LSU’s established reputation and commitment to player development position it as a formidable contender in the recruitment of elite cornerback prospects.(SI)
The landscape of college football recruiting is dynamic and competitive, with programs like LSU, Michigan State, and West Virginia actively seeking to enhance their cornerback units. LSU’s strategic focus on securing top-tier talent underscores its commitment to maintaining a formidable defense. As the recruitment process progresses, the decisions made by these programs will significantly impact their defensive strategies and overall team performance in the upcoming seasons.
