Miami is the “team to beat” for 5-star DJ Pickett according to Adam Gorney

By Aman Sharma

Modified May 30, 2024 13:50 GMT

The Miami Hurricanes have emerged as the leading contender for five-star cornerback DJ Pickett, a top-ranked prospect in the 2025 class. According to Adam Gorney, Miami has overtaken LSU as the favorite for Pickett, the sixth-ranked prospect nationally, the second-ranked cornerback, and the top player in Florida according to the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking.

DJ Pickett has scheduled official visits to four top programs over the next four weekends.

He will visit LSU on May 31, Georgia on June 7, Miami on June 14, and Oregon on June 21. Miami has hosted Pickett for four unofficial visits since 2021, while LSU has done so four times and Georgia and Oregon three times each.

Gorney noted:

"LSU is a sneaky contender and Oregon could be the dark horse here, especially if the Ducks provide a lot of NIL money but DJ Pickett has said time and time again Miami is the team to beat. He sees a massive opportunity to start there, early, and he's close to family,"

However, he emphasized that "Miami is the team to beat" due to several factors favoring the Hurricanes.

"It will take a lot to get them out of the state, something that was also said early on in this recruitment. I'm not going to pick against LSU or Oregon yet but Miami is definitely the program to beat,"

The weekend of June 14 is particularly crucial for Miami's recruitment efforts. Alongside Pickett, five-star linebacker Zayden Walker will be visiting, as well as safeties Sael Reyes and Amari Wallace.

DJ Pickett discusses the complex recruitment process

Five-star defensive back DJ Pickett, one of the top uncommitted players, provided insights into his recruitment process while speaking at the On3 Elite Series.

With an official visit to LSU scheduled for this weekend, Pickett touched on the complexities of the process.

“I mean, the process – I like money,” Pickett said with a laugh. “Who doesn’t want to talk about it? But it’s… a little complicated. But I’m still learning things right now. That’s where I’m at, just getting educated on things. It’s – I don’t want to say a big role. But it’s something that I would want to talk about (to understand). But at the same time, that will not be the deciding thing.”

Pickett emphasized the importance of being cautious, as schools may not always honor their commitments.

“It’s important because a lot of people try to mess you over on things,” he noted. “People in my corner are telling me what’s right and what’s wrong, that’s good.”

DJ Pickett is considered a pivotal target for Miami’s 2025 class. The Hurricanes currently lack a commitment from a five-star prospect, with their highest-rated commitment being four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez, ranked 111th in the On3 Industry Rankings.