Among the top five EDGE recruits, LSU football is in the top six.

LSU Football: In the Top Six for Top Five EDGE Recruits

LSU football has long been a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and is regarded as one of the top programs in the nation. The Tigers are renowned for their championship pedigree, producing future NFL stars, and maintaining a reputation as a top destination for elite recruits. This is particularly evident when examining the ongoing recruiting efforts by head coach Brian Kelly and his staff as they attempt to build the program into a perennial College Football Playoff contender.

In this competitive recruiting landscape, LSU is firmly planted among the nation’s best when it comes to attracting top-tier talent. As we look ahead to the 2025 class and beyond, LSU’s pursuit of high-caliber EDGE (defensive end/outside linebacker) recruits is particularly noteworthy. EDGE players, with their ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses, have become crucial to the success of modern defenses. This article will focus on the top five EDGE recruits in the 2025 class and LSU’s position as one of the top six schools vying for their commitment.

The Importance of the EDGE Position in Modern College Football

Before diving into the specific recruits, it’s essential to understand why the EDGE position is so vital to college football defenses. In an era where offenses are getting more dynamic, and quarterbacks are more mobile than ever, a disruptive pass rusher can completely change the course of a game. EDGE players are tasked with creating pressure, stopping the run, and forcing turnovers, all of which are integral parts of a defense’s ability to dominate.

The SEC, home to some of the most explosive offenses in college football, places a premium on having high-caliber EDGE players who can get after the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses. As teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn have proven over the years, the teams with the most elite pass rushers often find themselves competing for national championships.

LSU, under Brian Kelly, has been hard at work recruiting a new wave of pass rushers who can replicate the success of past Tigers stars like Chad Lavalais, Mingo, and Barkevious Mingo. These pass rushers helped set a standard for defensive dominance at LSU, and the next generation of EDGE players will be crucial in maintaining that tradition.

The Recruiting Battle for Top EDGE Talent

As part of their 2025 recruiting efforts, LSU is actively pursuing some of the top EDGE recruits in the country. With defensive coordinator Matt House at the helm, the Tigers are looking to improve upon an already strong defensive unit by adding even more elite talent to their pass-rushing corps. The competition, however, is stiff, with several other programs also in pursuit of these coveted recruits.

Among the top five EDGE recruits in the 2025 class, LSU has managed to position itself favorably in the recruitment battle for a select few. These recruits are highly sought after by schools across the country, including several traditional powerhouses. As we dive into each recruit’s profile, we’ll examine where LSU stands in the pursuit of their commitment and what sets the Tigers apart from the competition.

1. Elijah Rushing: The Elite Pass Rusher

One of the most highly anticipated EDGE recruits in the 2025 class is Elijah Rushing. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 245 pounds, Rushing is a physically imposing figure on the defensive line. Known for his explosive first step, his ability to rush the passer from multiple angles, and his quickness around the edge, Rushing has already drawn comparisons to some of the top pass rushers in recent college football history.

Rushing’s recruitment has been one of the most closely followed in the 2025 cycle. As of now, LSU has placed itself in an excellent position to land his commitment, with many recruiting analysts touting the Tigers as one of the top contenders for his services. LSU’s history of developing elite EDGE talent and its strong defensive pedigree are key selling points for Rushing, who is looking to play at a program with a track record of developing top NFL talent.

However, LSU will face stiff competition for Rushing’s commitment, as schools like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State are also in the mix. Still, LSU’s status as one of the top six schools vying for his signature makes them a serious contender. A strong season from LSU’s defense, combined with the coaching staff’s ability to develop Rushing into a future NFL star, could ultimately sway the five-star recruit to Baton Rouge.

2. James Smith: A Disruptive Force Off the Edge

Another EDGE recruit to keep an eye on is James Smith. At 6’5” and 250 pounds, Smith has the ideal frame to be a dominant pass rusher at the next level. He possesses a rare combination of strength, speed, and agility that allows him to get after the quarterback and disrupt the offensive line. Smith’s versatility—he can line up both as an outside linebacker or as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end—makes him a unique talent that many programs covet.

LSU has positioned itself well in Smith’s recruitment, with the Tigers making a strong push to land his commitment. The program’s commitment to defensive excellence and its history of producing top-tier pass rushers have made LSU a favorite in Smith’s recruitment. Furthermore, LSU’s aggressive defense under Matt House would provide Smith with plenty of opportunities to thrive as a pass rusher.

However, like Rushing, Smith’s recruitment is far from settled. With programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Clemson also in the hunt for Smith’s services, LSU will need to continue to impress the four-star recruit with both its on-field success and its future potential. The Tigers’ pursuit of Smith will be one to watch closely in the coming months.

3. Keldric Faulk: The Physical Freak

Keldric Faulk is another highly rated EDGE recruit in the 2025 class who has caught the attention of LSU’s coaching staff. Standing at 6’6” and 270 pounds, Faulk has the ideal size to make an immediate impact at the college level. What sets him apart from other recruits, however, is his combination of physicality and quickness. Despite his large frame, Faulk is incredibly quick off the ball and displays impressive flexibility and agility in his pass rush.

LSU’s defense is well-suited to showcase Faulk’s talents, particularly under the guidance of defensive coordinator Matt House, who has worked with some of the most gifted defensive players in college football. With LSU’s recruiting prowess and the Tigers’ continued success in developing EDGE talent, Faulk could very well choose Baton Rouge as the place where he takes his game to the next level.

Nevertheless, Faulk is also being pursued by some of the top programs in the nation. Auburn, Georgia, and Alabama are all schools competing for his signature, and LSU will have to go toe-to-toe with these powerhouse programs in order to secure his commitment. If LSU can continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, Faulk could ultimately decide that Baton Rouge is the best place for his development.

4. Dominic McKinley: A Threat From All Angles

At 6’4” and 250 pounds, Dominic McKinley is another EDGE recruit to watch closely in the 2025 cycle. McKinley is known for his ability to rush the passer from multiple positions, using his speed and strength to pressure quarterbacks. He is particularly effective at using his hands to disengage from blockers, and his ability to adapt to different offensive schemes makes him a versatile and valuable asset.

LSU is among the top schools vying for McKinley’s commitment. The Tigers’ established track record of developing EDGE players like Mingo and Lavalais gives LSU an edge over other schools in the race for McKinley. LSU’s defense, which has seen improvements under Matt House, is another factor that could make the Tigers an attractive option for McKinley.

However, LSU will face stiff competition from Clemson, Georgia, and Alabama in McKinley’s recruitment. Like the other top EDGE recruits, McKinley is seeking a program that will help him reach his potential and get him to the next level. LSU’s ability to show that it can meet those goals could give them the upper hand in this recruitment.

5. Rashad Weaver: The Speedster Off the Edge

Finally, Rashad Weaver is an EDGE recruit who has impressed with his speed and quickness off the line of scrimmage. At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Weaver has a slender yet powerful frame, allowing him to fly around the edge and cause problems for opposing quarterbacks. Weaver is known for his relentless pursuit and ability to change the game with a single pass rush.

LSU has a strong chance of landing Weaver, but the competition is fierce. Schools like Texas, Georgia, and Alabama are all in the mix. Weaver’s recruitment will be shaped by his desire for development and exposure to elite competition, and LSU’s status as a top defensive program gives it a strong chance to secure his commitment.