LSU Football Recruiting: Brian Kelly’s top three freshmen in the 2025 class

LSU football under head coach Brian Kelly has made a statement in the recruiting world by consistently attracting top-tier talent from across the country. As the Tigers continue to build a championship-contending program, recruiting has become an integral part of their success. The 2025 class promises to be an exciting one for LSU, with several highly-rated freshmen set to make an impact. In this article, we will take a deeper dive into the top three freshmen in LSU’s 2025 recruiting class, examining why they stand out and how they could play pivotal roles in the future of LSU football.

The Brian Kelly Recruiting Strategy: Building for the Future

Before delving into the top three recruits, it’s important to understand Brian Kelly’s approach to recruiting. Since taking the helm at LSU in 2022, Kelly has employed a strategic and disciplined recruiting philosophy. He’s focused on signing athletes who are not only incredibly talented but also fit well within his system. This has led to the recruitment of players with diverse skill sets, both in terms of positions and playing styles.

Kelly’s recruiting efforts have largely focused on securing depth across all positions, ensuring that LSU remains competitive at the highest level. He emphasizes the importance of player development, team chemistry, and creating a winning culture that extends far beyond just the stars on the field.

With that foundation in mind, let’s take a closer look at the three freshmen from LSU’s 2025 recruiting class who are expected to make an immediate impact.

1. Jaxon Williams: The Future of LSU’s Offensive Line

One of the most important positions in any football program is the offensive line, and Brian Kelly has made it clear that he values building a dominant front. Jaxon Williams, a highly touted offensive lineman out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of the jewels of LSU’s 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 315 pounds, Williams possesses the size and strength to make an immediate impact on LSU’s offensive line.

Why Jaxon Williams Stands Out

Williams is not just a big body; he also has the athleticism and technique to thrive at the next level. His quick feet and ability to move defenders off the ball have made him one of the most coveted offensive line recruits in the nation. His performance at various camps, including the Under Armour All-America Game, showcased his ability to excel against top-tier competition. Coaches rave about his footwork, pad level, and hand placement, which are critical components of any successful offensive lineman.

How Williams Will Fit Into LSU’s System

Offensive line play is critical to LSU’s success under Kelly, who values a balanced attack that features both a strong running game and a dynamic passing offense. Williams has the ability to excel in both areas. His size and power make him an ideal fit for LSU’s power-run scheme, while his athleticism allows him to pull and get to the second level, a feature that can be valuable in Kelly’s zone-blocking principles. As LSU continues to develop their offensive line depth, Williams is expected to push for immediate playing time and potentially earn a starting spot in his freshman season.

In addition, Williams’ ability to anchor the line against powerful SEC defensive linemen is a critical need for LSU. The SEC is known for its strong defensive fronts, and having a player like Williams who can handle those physical challenges from day one will be vital for LSU’s success on offense.

What’s Next for Jaxon Williams?

The challenge for Williams will be adjusting to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses. However, given his high football IQ and commitment to improvement, it’s likely that he will adapt quickly. With Kelly’s history of developing offensive linemen, Williams has a chance to become one of the foundation pieces of LSU’s offense for the next several seasons.

2. Jordan Mitchell: A Dynamic Playmaker at Wide Receiver

One of the most exciting positions in college football is wide receiver, and LSU’s 2025 recruiting class features an athlete who could quickly become one of the program’s top playmakers: Jordan Mitchell. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Mitchell is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver known for his explosiveness, excellent hands, and ability to stretch the field.

Why Jordan Mitchell Stands Out

Mitchell is a game-changer. As a wide receiver, he combines speed, agility, and strong route-running skills, making him a constant threat to defenses. His ability to get open quickly and create separation is what separates him from other receivers in the 2025 class. Whether running deep routes or operating in short-to-medium situations, Mitchell is capable of making an impact anywhere on the field.

He is also a master at catching passes in difficult situations, whether it’s battling through tight coverage or making acrobatic grabs in the air. Mitchell’s combination of size and speed has drawn comparisons to some of the top wide receivers in college football, and it’s clear that LSU is getting a player who can contribute immediately.

How Mitchell Will Fit Into LSU’s System

Under Brian Kelly, LSU’s passing attack has already seen success with quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels and the offensive development of key receivers. Mitchell is a natural fit for Kelly’s spread offense, which emphasizes quick decision-making and the ability to get the ball to playmakers in space.

What makes Mitchell especially dangerous is his versatility. He can be used in a variety of ways, including as an outside receiver, slot receiver, or even in motion to create mismatches in the defensive backfield. LSU’s ability to get the ball to Mitchell in different formations and play types will be crucial in making him a centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense.

What’s Next for Jordan Mitchell?

Given the talent LSU has at the wide receiver position, Mitchell may face some competition for playing time, but his skills are too impressive to keep on the sidelines for long. Expect Mitchell to contribute as a true freshman, potentially in a starting role, and make his mark early in his career. His ability to impact games both as a receiver and a deep threat will be vital as LSU looks to develop a potent passing attack.

3. Derrick Thompson: A Game-Changing Linebacker

In college football, few positions are as critical to a team’s success as linebacker. For LSU, Derrick Thompson, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker from New Orleans, Louisiana, is a future star. Thompson is known for his ability to read plays, his physicality, and his ability to cover ground quickly, making him one of the most exciting recruits in LSU’s 2025 class.

Why Derrick Thompson Stands Out

Thompson possesses a rare combination of size and speed that makes him a versatile linebacker who can excel in various roles. Whether defending against the run or covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game, Thompson’s ability to cover a lot of ground quickly is a significant asset. His high football IQ allows him to anticipate plays before they unfold, which makes him a dangerous player in the middle of the field.

Thompson’s physical presence allows him to be effective both as a tackler and a playmaker. He has the ability to shed blocks, fill gaps in the running game, and get after the quarterback. His instincts and leadership qualities make him a natural fit for LSU’s defense.

How Thompson Will Fit Into LSU’s System

In Brian Kelly’s defensive scheme, having a linebacker like Thompson is invaluable. LSU has traditionally been known for its tough, hard-hitting defense, and Thompson’s style of play aligns perfectly with that tradition. He will be tasked with playing a central role in LSU’s defense, often serving as the quarterback of the defense, directing teammates and making plays in crucial situations.

Thompson’s ability to cover ground will allow him to make plays in both the running and passing game, and his leadership on the field will be crucial as LSU continues to build one of the top defenses in the SEC.

What’s Next for Derrick Thompson?

As a freshman, Thompson is expected to make an immediate impact. He has the tools to compete for a starting role from day one, and given LSU’s history of producing top linebackers, it’s highly likely that Thompson will develop into one of the program’s stars on defense. His leadership and physicality will be key to LSU’s success as they continue to compete for championships in the SEC.

The Future of LSU Football is Bright

The addition of these top freshmen to LSU’s 2025 recruiting class represents an exciting future for the Tigers under Brian Kelly. With the commitment to developing well-rounded, talented players who fit within his system, Kelly has ensured that LSU will continue to be a major player in the SEC and national landscape.

• Jaxon Williams will provide the stability and strength LSU needs on the offensive line.
• Jordan Mitchell has the potential to become a key playmaker in LSU’s passing game.
• Derrick Thompson will help anchor LSU’s defense and continue the tradition of tough, physical football that the Tigers are known for.

As LSU’s program continues to evolve and grow under Kelly’s leadership, these three freshmen will be pivotal in the team’s pursuit of greatness. They represent the future of LSU football and are poised to make an immediate impact on the field for years to come.