Brian Kelly and company are still trying to retool the secondary in an effort to sign a highly sought-after West Coast talent.

Brian Kelly and Company: Rebuilding LSU’s Secondary with a Focus on a Highly Sought-After West Coast Talent

As the 2025 college football season approaches, one of the most crucial areas of focus for LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his staff is the secondary. LSU has long been known for its elite defense, a hallmark of the program that has helped the Tigers stay competitive year after year. However, as the program continues to evolve under Kelly’s leadership, the secondary remains a focal point for improvement and retooling. With several key players either leaving for the NFL or graduation, Kelly and his staff have made it a priority to revamp the defensive backfield and recruit top-tier talent. This effort is particularly centered on one highly sought-after West Coast talent who has the potential to transform the unit.

In this piece, we’ll explore Brian Kelly’s efforts to reshape LSU’s secondary, focusing on the recruitment of this specific West Coast prospect. We will examine how Kelly has addressed the need for improvement in the secondary, the importance of recruiting elite defensive backs, and the impact this high-profile recruit could have on the future of LSU football.

The State of LSU’s Secondary: Past Struggles and Future Needs

While LSU has consistently fielded elite defenses over the years, the secondary has been one of the most inconsistent positions in recent seasons. In the past few years, the Tigers have struggled with defending the pass at times, especially against teams with dynamic, high-powered offenses. As the SEC continues to evolve into a conference dominated by explosive passing attacks, LSU’s secondary has faced increased pressure to keep up with the competition.

In 2023, LSU’s secondary showed flashes of brilliance but also allowed several big plays, particularly in key games. While standout players like DBs Jay Ward and Major Burns showed promise, there were noticeable gaps in the secondary’s coverage. This inconsistency led to some frustrating performances, especially against teams with strong quarterback play and fast-paced offenses.

For Brian Kelly, who has made defensive improvements a cornerstone of his tenure at LSU, strengthening the secondary is essential for the team’s long-term success. Kelly’s defensive coordinator, Matt House, has worked to implement a more aggressive and versatile defensive scheme that can handle both run-stopping and pass coverage effectively. But as is often the case in college football, the key to improving a defensive unit is bringing in the right talent to execute the system.

Kelly and his staff have been working hard to address these issues, and much of that effort is focused on recruiting the next generation of top-tier defensive backs. A pivotal part of this recruiting push is the pursuit of a West Coast prospect who has become one of the most highly coveted talents in the 2025 recruiting class.

The West Coast Talent: A Game-Changing Defensive Back

The prospect at the center of LSU’s recruitment efforts is one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 class: Kai Carter, a five-star cornerback from California. Carter is a highly sought-after recruit who has earned a reputation for his elite coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and physicality on the field. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 190 pounds, Carter combines size with speed, making him a dangerous force in both man and zone coverage. His ability to lock down wide receivers on the outside, along with his knack for making game-changing plays, has made him one of the most talked-about players in this recruiting cycle.

Carter’s recruitment has been nothing short of a spectacle, with numerous schools from across the country vying for his commitment. As a top-tier cornerback, Carter has the potential to start from day one at virtually any program in the country. His combination of physical tools, technical skill, and high football IQ make him an ideal fit for LSU’s defense, which places a premium on having versatile and dynamic defensive backs capable of shutting down passing attacks.

What makes Carter particularly attractive to LSU is his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. While he has been primarily recruited as a cornerback, his versatility as a safety or nickelback is something that Kelly and his staff have been emphasizing in their recruitment pitch. This flexibility allows LSU to use him in various roles, depending on the opponent, and provides the team with options in terms of scheming.

Why LSU is a Perfect Fit for Kai Carter

One of the key reasons why LSU has emerged as one of the front-runners for Carter’s services is the program’s track record of developing defensive backs. Over the years, LSU has consistently produced top-tier defensive backs who have gone on to have successful NFL careers. Names like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Tre’Davious White have become synonymous with elite cornerback play, and the Tigers’ ability to develop high-caliber talent in the secondary has made them an attractive destination for top defensive backs.

For Carter, playing at a school with a rich history of defensive excellence is a significant draw. Additionally, the opportunity to learn under a defensive-minded coach like Brian Kelly and a respected coordinator like Matt House offers Carter the chance to hone his skills at the highest level. LSU’s scheme is one that values aggressive, lockdown coverage in the secondary, which suits Carter’s strengths as a player.

Another appealing factor for Carter is the opportunity to make an immediate impact. With LSU losing several key contributors in the secondary to the NFL, there is a clear need for a player of Carter’s caliber to step in and make a difference. Kelly and House have made it clear that they are looking for a player who can come in and contribute right away, and Carter fits that mold perfectly.

The Recruitment Process: Battle for a Five-Star Prospect

Carter’s recruitment has been a tightly contested battle, with several other programs heavily involved in the race for his commitment. Schools like Alabama, USC, Oregon, and Ohio State have all been in the mix, offering Carter the opportunity to play for some of the most prestigious football programs in the country. Despite this stiff competition, LSU has positioned itself well in the recruiting process.

A key factor in LSU’s favor is the Tigers’ ability to sell Carter on their vision for the future of the program. With Brian Kelly at the helm, LSU is trending upward, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Kelly’s efforts to revitalize the program and make it a national contender are appealing to recruits who want to be part of a championship-level program. LSU’s performance on the field in recent seasons, including a standout 2023 campaign where they made it to the SEC Championship Game, has also given the program momentum in the recruiting world.

Additionally, LSU’s coaching staff has been actively involved in the recruitment of Carter, with both Kelly and House regularly visiting him and making it clear how much they value his talent. This personalized attention and the commitment to developing him into an elite defensive back have resonated with Carter, making LSU a strong contender for his commitment.

The Importance of This Recruitment for LSU’s Secondary

If LSU is able to secure a commitment from Kai Carter, it would be a monumental win for the program, both in terms of talent and recruitment strategy. Adding a five-star cornerback like Carter would instantly elevate LSU’s secondary, providing the team with a cornerstone piece for the future.

Carter’s presence would not only shore up LSU’s defense but also serve as a catalyst for other high-caliber defensive backs to consider the Tigers. Recruiting a player of Carter’s caliber would send a message to the rest of the college football world that LSU is serious about returning to national prominence, especially on defense. It could open the door for LSU to land more top-tier recruits in future classes, particularly in the secondary, which remains a key area of focus.

From a positional standpoint, Carter’s addition would give LSU much-needed depth and talent in the secondary. With Carter, LSU would have a potential lockdown corner who can shut down the opposing team’s top receiver. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers would give LSU’s defense the boost it needs to compete with the best in the SEC. Furthermore, his versatility would allow LSU to mix up its defensive schemes, providing even more unpredictability and flexibility.

Beyond Carter: The Bigger Picture for LSU’s Secondary

While securing Kai Carter’s commitment would be a major step in retooling LSU’s secondary, it is only one piece of the puzzle. LSU’s secondary as a whole needs continued development and depth, particularly in terms of pass coverage and tackling consistency. Even with Carter in the fold, the Tigers will need to continue recruiting and developing players to ensure their defense remains one of the top units in the country.

In addition to Carter, LSU has been actively pursuing other highly rated defensive backs and athletes to add to its recruiting class. The future of LSU’s secondary will depend on the combination of Carter and other recruits, as well as the development of current players in the system. With Kelly’s emphasis on building a strong defensive foundation, the Tigers’ secondary is poised for a turnaround.