LSU recruiting: 5 additions to Brian Kelly’s team that can change the game for the Tigers

By Aman Sharma

Modified Aug 21, 2024 06:53 GMT

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Brian Kelly’s tenure as head coach of the LSU Tigers has seen a decisive shift in recruiting strategy. It emphasizes building a strong foundation with high school talent rather than relying heavily on the transfer portal.

With the 2024 recruiting class taking shape, several key additions could have a significant impact on the team's performance in the coming seasons.

5 key additions to Brian Kelly’s LSU

#5 Kade Phillips (Cornerback)

LSU's latest addition is four-star cornerback Kade Phillips, who made the move from Texas to the Tigers on Sunday. Phillips, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 185 pounds, is from Missouri City, Texas, and is listed as the No. 164 overall prospect and the 18th-best cornerback in the 2025 class per On3.

He joins five-star DJ Pickett from Florida, adding depth and talent.

"LSU has been on me ever since they first offered me," Phillips said per On3. He added, "I feel like the environment there is amazing. Every time I went down there, the vibe was great."

#4. Dominick McKinley (Defensive Lineman)

Another game-changing addition to the Tigers' 2025 class is five-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley. Initially committed to Texas A&M, McKinley flipped to the Tigers after head coach Jimbo Fisher was fired. Ranked as the No. 3 defensive tackle in his class by On3, McKinley brings a dynamic presence to LSU’s defensive front.

A Louisiana native, McKinley emphasized the importance of staying close to home in his decision to switch to Tigers.

"There’s a lot of opportunities for being a Louisiana kid and staying home," McKinley told On3. "It’s 45 minutes away from my family, making it easy to go back and forth. For home-state kids, it’s important to stay close."

#3. DJ Pickett (Cornerback)

The commitment of five-star cornerback DJ Pickett was another major win for LSU, particularly for secondary coach Corey Raymond. Pickett ranked as the No. 1 recruit in Florida and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class, adds a formidable presence to the Tigers' secondary. Pickett was drawn to Tigers due to the welcoming environment,

"I liked LSU before Coach Raymond even got there," Pickett explained. Once he moved to LSU, it was a no-brainer for me to visit, and I loved the atmosphere. “I learned a lot at LSU about the atmosphere. A lot of people tell you about the environment of it. It’s basically like my hometown, that’s another plus for me."

#2. Bryce Underwood (Quarterback)

Bryce Underwood, the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 class and the No. 1 overall prospect, is known for his exceptional arm strength, field vision, and athleticism.

Comparisons have been drawn between Underwood and former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence, with On3’s Charles Power noting Underwood’s "twitchy reaction to pressure" and "rushing upside" as key attributes.

“Bryce Underwood’s arm talent, ability to attack the field at all levels, functional athleticism and pedigree as a productive four-year starter reminds us of Trevor Lawrence,” Charles Power said. “Like Lawrence, Underwood is a twitchy reactor to pressure and has a rushing upside at the next level that belies his high school statistics."

#1. Derek Meadows (Wide Receiver)

The list of influential recruits ends with Derek Meadows, who is the best wide receiver in Nevada. At his 6-foot-6 inch height and 205 pounds weight, he was also the 2023 Gatorade Nevada Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year and is interested in playing with Bryce Underwood, in Baton Rouge.

"Bryce Underwood is definitely a factor," Meadows said. "He has a rocket for an arm, and I look forward to catching passes from him."

His impressive track record includes 15 receptions for 391 yards and eight touchdowns for Bishop Gorman, the high school national champions.