Will DJ Pickett, a five-star freshman cornerback, start the first game for LSU football?

As the LSU Tigers prepare for their 2025 football season, one of the most exciting storylines surrounding the program involves their incoming freshman cornerback, DJ Pickett. A five-star recruit and one of the top cornerbacks in the country, Pickett brings with him an immense amount of talent and potential. Given the critical role cornerbacks play in the modern game, especially in the high-powered SEC, the question on everyone’s mind is: will DJ Pickett start in LSU’s first game of the season?

In this article, we will explore the factors that could influence Pickett’s potential starting role, the competition he faces, and what makes him such a highly touted prospect. Additionally, we will break down how his skills align with LSU’s defensive needs and coaching philosophy under Brian Kelly, providing a comprehensive analysis of what it would mean for both Pickett and the Tigers if he were to start in Week 1.

Who is DJ Pickett?

Before diving into whether DJ Pickett will start for LSU in the 2025 season, it’s essential to understand why Pickett is such an exciting prospect. The 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback from [Insert High School Name] has been a standout throughout his high school career. Known for his elite athleticism, instincts, and coverage skills, Pickett quickly emerged as one of the most coveted recruits in the country. His combination of size, speed, and physicality makes him a potential game-changer in the secondary.

Pickett’s recruitment process was one of the most closely followed in recent years, as he garnered attention from top programs across the country. Ultimately, he chose LSU, a school with a storied history of developing elite defensive backs, and a program known for its physicality and success in the SEC. The fact that Pickett committed to LSU further bolsters the expectation that he could contribute immediately upon his arrival in Baton Rouge.

Throughout his high school career, Pickett demonstrated a high football IQ and an ability to lock down wide receivers on the outside. His impressive ball skills, ability to break up passes, and his knack for creating turnovers set him apart from many of his peers. As a five-star recruit, Pickett enters LSU with an aura of greatness, and it’s no surprise that fans, coaches, and analysts are eager to see how quickly he can make an impact at the collegiate level.

The Cornerback Position at LSU: A Critical Need

Cornerback is a crucial position in any defense, and for LSU, it has been a point of focus in recent recruiting cycles. Under defensive coordinator Matt House, LSU has shifted its focus to a more aggressive, man-to-man coverage scheme, which places significant pressure on cornerbacks to lock down wide receivers and provide help over the top when necessary. In the SEC, where teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss regularly feature dynamic passing games, having a strong cornerback corps is essential for a successful defense.

As LSU enters the 2025 season, the cornerback position is a point of uncertainty. The Tigers lost several key contributors to the NFL draft, and while they return some solid players, there is still a need for fresh talent and depth. This is where DJ Pickett comes into play. His high school tape and recruiting profile suggest that he could step in and contribute right away. But will he be ready to start in Week 1? That depends on several factors.

The Competition: Who Will Pickett Be Competing With?

As with any five-star recruit, DJ Pickett will face stiff competition for a starting role, especially at a position as crucial as cornerback. LSU’s depth chart at cornerback is likely to include several talented players, including returning upperclassmen and perhaps a few other highly ranked newcomers. Below are some of the key players Pickett will be competing with for a spot in the starting lineup.

1. Zy Alexander

Zy Alexander, a rising star in the LSU secondary, is one of the leading candidates to start at cornerback for LSU in 2025. Alexander, who showed flashes of brilliance during the previous season, is known for his physicality and ability to defend against both big, physical receivers and smaller, quicker ones. His experience and familiarity with the Tigers’ system could give him an edge over Pickett, especially early in the season.

However, Alexander will face a challenge from Pickett, who has been touted as one of the most polished and complete cornerback prospects to come through LSU in recent years. While Alexander’s experience gives him a leg up, Pickett’s upside is undeniable, and he could make a push for the starting role if he adapts quickly to the college game.

2. Jarrick Bernard-Converse

Jarrick Bernard-Converse is another experienced cornerback who could play a key role for LSU in 2025. Bernard-Converse, who transferred to LSU from Oklahoma State, has been a steady presence in the secondary and has showcased his ability to cover both inside and outside receivers. His versatility and leadership skills are valuable assets for the Tigers, and he will likely be in the mix for a starting spot.

For Pickett, beating out Bernard-Converse would require not only elite physical skills but also the ability to demonstrate superior technique, discipline, and understanding of the defensive scheme. While Bernard-Converse is a seasoned veteran, Pickett’s raw talent and potential could allow him to challenge for a starting role if he impresses during camp.

3. Other Rising Talent

LSU has recruited several other talented cornerbacks in recent years, and it’s likely that some of these players will also be in contention for starting roles in 2025. Players like [Insert other player names] will provide competition for Pickett and could make a strong case for starting spots depending on how they perform during spring practice and fall camp.

For Pickett to secure a starting job, he’ll need to outperform not only these players but also prove that he can adapt to the rigors of SEC football. The competition will be fierce, and while Pickett’s five-star status may give him an edge, nothing is guaranteed until the coaches see him perform on the field.

Will Pickett Start in LSU’s First Game?

Given the factors outlined above, the question of whether DJ Pickett will start in LSU’s first game of the season is complex and depends on several key variables.

1. Pickett’s Ability to Adjust to College Football

One of the most significant factors influencing whether Pickett starts in Week 1 is his ability to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football. While his high school tape is impressive, the college game is a significant step up in terms of competition. Pickett will need to prove that he can handle the physicality and mental challenges of playing in the SEC, where receivers are faster, bigger, and more skilled than those he faced in high school.

Pickett’s success in fall camp and scrimmages leading up to the season opener will be crucial in determining whether he is ready for a starting role. If he shows the coaches that he can quickly adapt and make plays in practice, he may earn a starting spot. However, if he struggles with the transition, LSU may choose to bring him along more slowly, possibly giving him a backup role in the first game with the potential to start later in the season.

2. Depth Chart Decisions

While talent is undoubtedly a critical factor in determining who starts for LSU, depth chart decisions are also influenced by factors like experience, chemistry, and the specific needs of the defense. If Pickett shows he is ready for the challenge and performs well in practice, there’s a strong chance that he could start, especially if the other cornerbacks haven’t been as consistent or reliable.

However, it’s also possible that LSU’s coaches may opt to start a more experienced player like Zy Alexander or Jarrick Bernard-Converse in the first game, especially if they feel that having a veteran presence in the secondary will give the team the best chance to succeed early in the season. Coaches will weigh all of these factors when making decisions about the starting lineup, and it’s likely that the battle for the starting cornerback spot will go down to the wire.

3. The Opposition: How Much of an Impact Will the Opponent Have?

Another critical consideration is the opponent that LSU faces in the first game of the season. If LSU’s Week 1 opponent features a high-powered passing attack, LSU may want to go with a more experienced cornerback who can handle the nuances of covering top-tier receivers. On the other hand, if the opponent is more focused on the run game or lacks a dynamic passing attack, Pickett might have a better chance to start, as his athleticism and potential could shine in those situations.

The coaches will likely tailor their decisions based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent, which could factor into whether or not Pickett earns the starting nod.

The Future: What Happens if Pickett Doesn’t Start in Week 1?

Even if DJ Pickett doesn’t start the first game of the season, his future remains incredibly bright. LSU coaches have shown in the past that they’re not afraid to play talented freshmen early in the season, and Pickett could quickly work his way into the starting lineup as the season progresses. If he’s able to prove his worth during practice and earn more playing time, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a key contributor to the LSU defense.

Additionally, the SEC is notorious for injuries and attrition over the course of the season, so Pickett could find himself in the starting lineup due to a variety of circumstances, even if he doesn’t start right away. The opportunity to make an impact as a freshman cornerback in such a demanding conference will provide Pickett with invaluable experience that will serve him well in future seasons.