LSU Football Junior Day: Get inside information on all ten of Louisiana’s top recruits

The excitement surrounding LSU football’s Junior Day is palpable every year, as it serves as one of the earliest and most significant events in the recruiting calendar. Junior Day provides a chance for high school juniors—many of whom are top-tier recruits—to visit LSU’s campus, meet with coaching staff, and learn more about the football program and the opportunities it offers. For LSU, it’s an opportunity to get a head start on recruiting Louisiana’s elite talent, which is critical to the program’s long-term success.

As LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his coaching staff continue to build a national powerhouse, recruiting Louisiana’s best players is a focal point. The state has produced some of the country’s most talented football prospects, and Junior Day often features the cream of the crop. For the 2025 class, Louisiana is stacked with top-tier recruits who could significantly impact LSU’s program for years to come.

This article takes a deep dive into the top 10 recruits from Louisiana who were invited to LSU Football’s Junior Day, analyzing their skills, potential, and what they could bring to the Tigers in the near future.

1. Derrick LeBlanc – Defensive Line (DT/DE)

• Hometown: Ponchatoula, LA
• High School: Ponchatoula High School

Derrick LeBlanc is widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation. The 6’5″, 290-pound standout is known for his size, strength, and explosive first step off the line of scrimmage. He’s capable of playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, giving him valuable versatility for LSU’s defense. His ability to disrupt plays, rush the passer, and clog up running lanes makes him a force to be reckoned with.

LeBlanc’s Junior Day visit to LSU was particularly important, as he’s been heavily recruited by several national programs. However, his ties to Louisiana, where his family has strong connections to the community, could give LSU an edge. The Tigers are in prime position to secure a commitment from LeBlanc, who could be a major contributor to the defensive line for years to come.

2. Shelton Sampson Jr. – Wide Receiver

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
• High School: Catholic High School

One of the top in-state targets for LSU, Shelton Sampson Jr. is a 6’4″, 185-pound wide receiver with incredible speed and physicality. Sampson, a Louisiana native, is widely regarded as one of the most polished wide receivers in the 2025 class. His ability to create separation, track deep balls, and make contested catches is what sets him apart from other receivers.

As a Baton Rouge native, Sampson has a long history with LSU, and his ties to the school make this recruitment particularly interesting. His visit to LSU’s Junior Day provided the coaching staff an opportunity to deepen that relationship and highlight the potential fit in LSU’s high-powered offense. With major programs like Alabama and Ohio State in pursuit, securing Sampson’s commitment would be a massive win for the Tigers.

3. Zion Ferguson – Cornerback

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
• High School: Zachary High School

Zion Ferguson is one of the top cornerback prospects in Louisiana, standing at 6’0″ and 180 pounds. Known for his ball skills and exceptional speed, Ferguson has the ability to lock down wide receivers in man-to-man coverage or provide valuable support in zone schemes. His combination of size and agility makes him a very promising prospect for LSU, especially considering the school’s recent focus on improving its secondary.

Ferguson’s Junior Day visit gave him a closer look at LSU’s defensive schemes and how he could fit into the program. Given the importance of cornerbacks in LSU’s aggressive defensive system, Ferguson could be a future star for the Tigers’ secondary, and the relationship he has with the program could play a crucial role in his decision-making process.

4. Tayvion Thomas – Running Back

• Hometown: New Orleans, LA
• High School: John Curtis Christian School

Tayvion Thomas is a 5’10”, 205-pound running back with elite vision, balance, and speed. He is a downhill runner with the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, making him a perfect fit for LSU’s power-running game. Thomas’ blend of size and quickness gives him the ability to excel between the tackles while also being a threat to take it the distance on the outside.

As one of the most sought-after running backs in the 2025 class, Thomas’ Junior Day visit to LSU gave him a chance to familiarize himself with LSU’s running back room and the way they develop future stars at the position. With the Tigers’ success in recent years producing NFL-caliber running backs, LSU remains one of the frontrunners in this recruitment.

5. Tyree Adams – Offensive Tackle

• Hometown: Lafayette, LA
• High School: Lafayette High School

Tyree Adams is one of the top offensive line prospects in Louisiana, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds. His massive frame, paired with impressive agility for his size, allows him to control defenders at the line of scrimmage. Adams is a powerful run blocker, and his ability to protect the quarterback in pass protection makes him a well-rounded tackle who can thrive in both the run and pass game.

As LSU continues to build its offensive line depth, Adams could be a cornerstone piece for the Tigers. His Junior Day visit to LSU gave him the chance to evaluate the program’s offensive line coaching staff and its emphasis on developing future NFL-caliber linemen. With LSU’s recent success in recruiting elite offensive line talent, Adams’ relationship with the coaching staff could push LSU into the lead for his commitment.

6. Bryce Anderson – Safety

• Hometown: New Orleans, LA
• High School: Edna Karr High School

Bryce Anderson is a 6’0″, 200-pound safety known for his hard-hitting style and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. His versatility allows him to play both safety positions, making him a highly valuable recruit for LSU’s defensive backfield. Anderson excels in coverage, with the ability to play deep safety or fill the box against the run. His intelligence on the field and leadership make him an ideal fit for LSU’s defense.

Anderson’s visit to LSU’s Junior Day gave him a closer look at the program’s defensive schemes and how he could fit into a secondary that has produced some of the nation’s best NFL prospects. LSU is in a strong position to land Anderson, given his ties to the state and the school’s history of developing defensive players.

7. Andre Williams – Linebacker

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
• High School: Madison Prep Academy

At 6’2″ and 220 pounds, Andre Williams is a linebacker who plays with intensity and aggression. His sideline-to-sideline range, combined with his ability to rush the passer or drop into coverage, makes him a valuable asset in multiple defensive schemes. Williams is a versatile linebacker who can contribute in a variety of ways, whether it’s stopping the run or making plays on the quarterback.

Williams’ Junior Day visit allowed him to meet with LSU’s linebacker coaches and gain insight into the program’s approach to developing future NFL-caliber linebackers. Given his athleticism and potential to play in a variety of roles, LSU could be a perfect fit for Williams, who could be a leader for the Tigers on defense in the coming years.

8. Jaelyn Azzarelli – Wide Receiver

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
• High School: St. Michael the Archangel High School

Jaelyn Azzarelli is a 6’2″, 190-pound wide receiver who is known for his smooth route running, excellent hands, and strong football IQ. Azzarelli has shown the ability to create separation from defenders, both in short-yardage situations and down the field. His physicality and ability to make catches in traffic are also attributes that make him an appealing prospect for LSU’s offense.

Azzarelli’s visit to LSU’s Junior Day allowed him to explore the potential of joining the Tigers’ high-powered offense, which has become known for producing top-tier wide receivers. With top SEC programs vying for his attention, LSU will need to leverage its track record of wide receiver development to secure a commitment from Azzarelli.

9. Corey Smith – Defensive End

• Hometown: Shreveport, LA
• High School: Evangel Christian Academy

Corey Smith is a 6’4″, 230-pound defensive end who combines excellent length with quickness and a relentless motor. His ability to rush the passer off the edge makes him a potential game-changer for LSU’s defensive line. Smith is also solid against the run, using his length to shed blockers and contain plays to the outside.

Smith’s Junior Day visit allowed him to meet LSU’s defensive coaching staff and learn more about their aggressive pass-rushing schemes. As one of the top defensive recruits in Louisiana, Smith’s recruitment will be highly competitive, but LSU’s focus on defensive development could make them the frontrunner for his commitment.

10. Aiden Williams – Quarterback

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
• High School: Baton Rouge High School

Aiden Williams is a 6’3″, 210-pound quarterback who is known for his ability to make all the throws from the pocket, as well as his leadership on and off the field. Williams has a strong arm, excellent accuracy, and a football IQ that allows him to read defenses and make quick decisions. His size and physicality add to his allure, as he has the tools to be a dual-threat quarterback if needed.

Williams’ visit to LSU was a significant opportunity for the Tigers to evaluate a quarterback who could be a future leader of the program. His recruitment will be one to watch closely as he continues to develop, and LSU’s history of success at the quarterback position could give them an edge as he makes his decision.