The 2025 college football recruiting cycle is already proving to be a landmark one for **LSU football**. With a storied history of producing top-tier talent and winning championships, LSU’s success on the recruiting trail is vital to maintaining its status as one of the nation’s elite programs. While the Tigers had a solid recruiting class coming into December, the final month of the year proved to be a game-changer. LSU’s coaching staff, led by head coach **Brian Kelly**, secured a string of impressive commitments that have elevated the class to new heights.
This surge of recruiting momentum can be attributed to Kelly’s relentless approach to building a roster full of depth, skill, and versatility. LSU, known for its talent pipeline, used December to capitalize on key in-state recruits, add depth at positions of need, and lock down some national prospects that are expected to make an immediate impact. As the early signing period wrapped up, there were five key takeaways from LSU’s impressive recruiting stretch.
### 1. **In-State Dominance Is Still a Cornerstone of LSU Recruiting**
One of the most telling trends in LSU’s December recruiting stretch is how well they’ve been able to lock down in-state talent. In a state that produces some of the best high school football talent in the country, the Tigers have always been a major player for Louisiana’s top prospects. However, the competition from other programs in recent years has become fiercer.
This December, LSU reaffirmed its ability to dominate the local recruiting scene. A major highlight of the month was securing the commitment of **Trey Holly**, a 5-star running back from **Franklinton High School**, who is widely regarded as the top prospect in Louisiana. Holly is an elite, explosive talent who immediately becomes one of the crown jewels of LSU’s 2025 class. His commitment signals a continued trend of LSU keeping the best Louisiana talent in-state and not letting them slip away to programs like Alabama, Texas, or Florida.
The Tigers also locked in other key Louisiana prospects, such as **Jacoby Matthews**, a 4-star safety, and **Zy Alexander**, a standout cornerback. This reinforces the notion that LSU will always prioritize keeping the state’s top talent at home, which is a significant competitive advantage for the program. In-state recruits not only bring a high level of skill but also possess a deep sense of pride in playing for LSU, making them essential pieces of the puzzle for Kelly’s program.
### 2. **The Offensive Line Has Been a Key Focus, and LSU Is Winning There**
One of the most significant areas of emphasis during LSU’s December recruiting push has been securing talent along the offensive line. LSU has long been known for having one of the nation’s best offensive lines, and that tradition has continued in Kelly’s first few years at the helm. The December stretch was no different, with LSU adding depth and quality to this crucial position group.
**Emory Jones**, a 5-star offensive tackle from **Brunswick, Georgia**, is one of the gems of the class and a player LSU fans are particularly excited about. Jones, who stands at 6’5″ and over 300 pounds, is an imposing figure on the line of scrimmage and has the mobility and technique to excel at the next level. His commitment is a major win for LSU, as Jones is ranked as one of the top offensive line prospects in the entire country.
Additionally, LSU secured commitments from **Tyler Booker**, a 4-star guard from Louisiana, and **Xavier Hill**, a 4-star tackle from Texas. These recruits will help solidify LSU’s offensive line depth and provide protection for **Jayden Daniels** (or whoever is the starting quarterback), as well as pave the way for future running backs like **Trey Holly** to thrive. In a league like the SEC, where dominating the line of scrimmage is crucial, LSU’s focus on bolstering its offensive line is a smart and necessary move for sustained success.
### 3. **Defensive Line and Edge Rushers Continue to Be a Priority**
While the offensive line has been a key area of focus, LSU has also continued to stack its defensive line, which has always been a program staple. The Tigers have a rich history of producing elite defensive linemen and edge rushers—think **Chase Young**, **Glenn Dorsey**, and **Barkevious Mingo**—and the 2025 recruiting class is poised to continue that tradition.
The commitment of **Javon Johnson**, a 4-star defensive end from **Shreveport, Louisiana**, is a critical one. Johnson is an explosive, fast edge rusher who can disrupt opposing quarterbacks and put pressure on the opposing offensive line. His commitment represents a huge win for LSU’s defensive future, as they are always looking for players who can create havoc in the backfield, especially in the highly competitive SEC. Johnson is ranked among the top 10 edge rushers in the country and is poised to contribute immediately.
In addition to Johnson, LSU added **Dominic McKinley**, a versatile 4-star defensive lineman from **Houston, Texas**, and **Jayden Tapp**, another powerful defensive end from Louisiana. With a mix of interior defensive linemen and edge rushers, LSU is building a defensive front that will be difficult for opponents to match up with. These recruits, combined with returning players like **Maason Smith**, will create a formidable front seven capable of dominating SEC offenses.
### 4. **LSU’s Quarterback Recruitment Is Strong and On-Brand**
Quarterback recruitment has been an area of high focus for Brian Kelly since his arrival at LSU, and December’s recruiting surge added a potential future star at the position. **Colton Mitchell**, a 5-star dual-threat quarterback from **Baton Rouge**, chose LSU over several top-tier programs, including Alabama and Georgia. His commitment is especially significant as LSU has long been searching for a quarterback to develop into the next great signal-caller.
Mitchell is a prototypical dual-threat quarterback with a big arm and the ability to make plays with his legs, much like **Jayden Daniels** has done in recent seasons. His commitment provides LSU with a highly talented quarterback to develop for the future, and his decision to stay home in Louisiana only strengthens the program’s appeal. With **Walker Howard** already on the roster and Daniels leading the charge in the short term, LSU’s quarterback room is set for success both in the present and long-term future.
Mitchell’s commitment is particularly important as LSU continues to position itself as a school where quarterbacks can develop into NFL-caliber players. Brian Kelly has been a coach who has consistently produced successful quarterbacks, and bringing in someone like Mitchell only adds to the excitement surrounding LSU’s future on offense.
### 5. **LSU’s National Recruiting Reach Is Expanding**
While LSU has always been a force in Louisiana, December’s recruiting stretch showed that the Tigers are making serious strides on the national recruiting scene. LSU has secured commitments from several top players outside of the Southeast, including **Luke McNamara**, a 4-star wide receiver from **Illinois**, and **Jace Adams**, a 4-star linebacker from **Kansas**.
These national recruits show that LSU’s appeal extends well beyond the confines of the SEC footprint. The coaching staff’s ability to tap into new talent pools in regions like the Midwest and Southwest speaks volumes about their ability to recruit at a national level. As the recruiting calendar progresses, expect LSU to continue to make noise in other parts of the country, adding more elite talent to an already stacked roster.
### Conclusion
December’s recruiting stretch has been a major win for LSU football. The coaching staff’s relentless focus on securing top-tier talent has resulted in a class that is not only deep but also versatile across multiple positions. From in-state standouts to national recruits, LSU has positioned itself for sustained success in the coming years. With a focus on offensive line dominance, defensive prowess, and quarterback development, the Tigers’ 2025 class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, further solidifying LSU’s status as a perennial powerhouse in college football. Fans can look forward to seeing these recruits make an immediate impact and help elevate the program to new heights under Brian Kelly’s leadership.
