LSU misses out on an in-state talent when they lose their top five-star safety to Ohio State.

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and for a program like LSU, landing top talent is crucial for maintaining its national championship aspirations. The Tigers have long prided themselves on their ability to recruit some of the best high school football players in the country, particularly in the talent-rich state of Louisiana. However, every recruiting cycle presents its own set of challenges, and LSU has recently faced one of those challenges in the form of losing a top in-state recruit—a five-star safety—to an out-of-state rival: Ohio State.

The recruitment of a five-star safety is always an important event, and when that player hails from within the state of Louisiana, it becomes even more significant. LSU has built its reputation on the “Louisiana is for Louisiana kids” mantra, emphasizing the importance of keeping homegrown talent in-state. But in this case, the Tigers were unable to hold on to one of the best prospects in the 2025 class, as the highly coveted safety chose to commit to Ohio State.

In this article, we will explore the implications of LSU losing this in-state recruit to Ohio State, the impact it could have on both programs, and how this development affects the future of LSU’s recruiting efforts. We’ll take a look at the safety’s background, the recruitment process, the reasons behind his decision, and how LSU plans to move forward with its 2025 class.

The Player: A Five-Star Safety With Tremendous Upside

The safety at the heart of this recruiting battle is one of the most talented players in the 2025 class—an elite prospect with a well-rounded skill set that has drawn attention from top programs across the country. Known for his ability to read the game, his hard-hitting style, and his leadership on the field, this safety has been described as a difference-maker. His combination of speed, athleticism, and high football IQ makes him a top-tier prospect at one of the most important positions on defense.

As a safety, his versatility is what sets him apart. He has the ability to play both deep and in the box, and he excels in coverage, whether it’s in zone or man-to-man situations. His ball-hawking ability is another strong point, with a knack for tracking the ball in the air and making plays on it when it matters most. Additionally, his leadership qualities have been praised, as he is known to be a vocal leader on and off the field, helping to elevate his teammates’ play.

Given his exceptional ability to make an impact in both the passing and running games, it’s easy to see why top-tier programs across the country were vying for his commitment. This safety has the potential to be an immediate contributor at the next level, and it’s no surprise that his recruitment became one of the most hotly contested battles of the 2025 cycle.

The Recruitment Process: LSU’s Struggles to Keep Him Home

LSU was heavily involved in the recruitment of this five-star safety from the start. As a Louisiana native, the Tigers were seen as the natural favorites, with the opportunity to play in Baton Rouge, just a short drive away from home, presenting an attractive option. Historically, LSU has been able to keep most of the state’s elite talent within its borders, and the coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Kelly and defensive backs coach Robert Steeples, had high hopes of securing this recruit’s commitment.

However, as the recruitment process unfolded, LSU began to face stiff competition from other programs, with Ohio State emerging as one of the most persistent challengers. The Buckeyes’ recruiting prowess, combined with their consistent success on the national stage, ultimately played a significant role in the safety’s decision-making process.

One of the key selling points for LSU was their track record of developing defensive talent. The Tigers have produced numerous NFL-caliber defensive backs over the years, including some of the best safeties and cornerbacks in recent memory. LSU’s defense has long been known for its physicality and aggressive style, and the Tigers were hoping to sell the recruit on the opportunity to continue that tradition. Additionally, LSU’s proximity to home, the support from local fans, and the chance to play in front of family and friends were all factors that should have played into the Tigers’ favor.

Despite these advantages, LSU faced stiff competition from Ohio State, a program that has developed a reputation for producing elite defensive backs and competing at the highest level year in and year out. The Buckeyes’ success under head coach Ryan Day, particularly in the defensive backfield, made them an attractive option for the five-star safety. Ohio State’s ability to showcase their development of defensive players, their emphasis on preparing players for the NFL, and their consistent national championship contention were all factors that weighed heavily on the safety’s decision.

In the end, LSU was unable to hold on to the recruit, and the five-star safety committed to Ohio State, choosing to play in the Big Ten rather than in his home state of Louisiana.

Why Ohio State Won the Recruitment Battle

There were several key reasons why Ohio State ultimately won the recruitment of this in-state talent. While LSU had plenty to offer, Ohio State’s allure proved too strong in the end.

1. NFL Development Pipeline

One of the most significant reasons behind the safety’s decision to commit to Ohio State was the program’s track record of developing defensive backs for the NFL. Ohio State has a long history of producing elite players who go on to have successful careers in the NFL, particularly in the secondary. With names like Malik Hooker, Denzel Ward, and more recently, Jeff Okudah, Ohio State has established itself as one of the premier programs for producing top-tier defensive backs.

The safety was undoubtedly aware of this pipeline and the potential for early NFL development. Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, is known for its ability to prepare players for the next level. The safety likely felt that by joining Ohio State, he would be given the best chance to develop his skills and make an immediate impact in the NFL.

2. National Championship Contention

Ohio State has been one of the most consistent teams in college football over the past decade. Year in and year out, the Buckeyes are a fixture in the College Football Playoff race and have the opportunity to compete for national championships. This level of competition and success is something that many recruits, particularly those with NFL aspirations, find appealing.

While LSU has also been a national contender, Ohio State’s ability to compete for titles on a yearly basis provided the safety with the opportunity to play for a program that regularly contends for the highest honors in college football. The chance to be part of a program that is consistently in the national spotlight was a major factor in his decision.

3. Ohio State’s Defensive Reputation

Ohio State’s defense, and particularly their defensive backfield, has been a major selling point in the recruitment of this safety. The Buckeyes have produced some of the best defensive backs in recent memory, and their emphasis on defensive play has been a staple of the program’s success. The opportunity to play for a program with a history of producing elite safeties and cornerbacks, and learning under top-notch defensive backs coaches, was something that the safety likely found very appealing.

4. Strong Relationships with Ohio State Coaches

Another key factor in the recruitment process was the relationship the safety built with Ohio State’s coaching staff. Over the course of his recruitment, the safety spent a lot of time getting to know Ohio State’s defensive staff, including defensive backs coach Tim Walton. The trust and rapport that developed between the safety and the coaching staff were instrumental in his final decision.

The safety likely felt a strong connection to the Buckeyes’ coaches and their vision for his development. Their consistent communication, coupled with their clear plan for how they would use him within their defense, helped seal the deal for Ohio State.

The Impact on LSU

LSU’s inability to land this five-star safety represents a significant loss for the program, both on the field and in terms of recruiting momentum. The Tigers have long prided themselves on their ability to keep top in-state talent at home, and losing a player of this caliber to Ohio State is a blow to that tradition.

This loss also highlights a broader trend that has emerged in recent years: LSU has faced increased competition from national programs for in-state talent. While LSU remains a top-tier program, the Tigers will need to continue adapting to the evolving landscape of college football recruiting, where programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia are becoming increasingly aggressive in recruiting Louisiana’s elite talent.

Moving Forward: LSU’s Recruiting Strategy

Despite this setback, LSU still has plenty of talent on its roster and an impressive recruiting class. The Tigers will need to regroup and continue to focus on building relationships with top recruits across the country, particularly in Louisiana, where they have historically dominated.

The coaching staff, led by Brian Kelly, will likely use this loss as motivation to continue to develop and strengthen their recruiting efforts, ensuring that LSU remains competitive on the national stage. While losing a top-five-star recruit is never ideal, LSU has the resources, coaching staff, and talent to bounce back and continue their tradition of success.