LSU Football Lines Up Visit with No. 1 Prospect in Florida, Coveted Tigers Target

As the recruiting season for college football heats up, few storylines are as compelling as the pursuit of top-tier talent. For LSU (Louisiana State University), one of the most storied football programs in the country, securing commitments from the best recruits is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.

In the 2025 recruiting cycle, LSU has set its sights on several elite prospects, but perhaps no player has garnered as much attention as the No. 1 recruit in Florida—an athlete whose talent, potential, and versatility make him a coveted target for the Tigers. This player has been on LSU’s radar for months, and the recent announcement of his scheduled visit to Baton Rouge has only increased the anticipation surrounding this recruitment. With his high-profile status, the visit will be an important moment in both LSU’s 2025 recruiting class and the future of the program.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at LSU’s recruiting strategy, why this No. 1 prospect is so highly coveted, and what the Tigers need to do to land one of the most important recruits of the cycle. We’ll also explore the broader implications for LSU’s program, how it fits into the SEC landscape, and what this player’s commitment could mean for the Tigers moving forward.

LSU’s Recruiting Strategy Under Brian Kelly

Since Brian Kelly took the helm of the LSU football program in 2022, he has been working to build a program that is not only competitive in the SEC but can also compete for national championships year in and year out. Kelly’s recruiting strategy has been a mixture of targeting elite in-state talent while also branching out nationally, pulling in top-tier recruits from other states.

Kelly has a long track record of success on the recruiting trail, particularly at Notre Dame, where he was known for assembling a consistently competitive team, even without always landing the highest-ranked players. However, at LSU, the resources, recruiting facilities, and the program’s pedigree open up an entirely new level of possibilities. LSU’s historical success in producing NFL talent, its passionate fan base, and its status in the SEC make it an appealing destination for the nation’s top recruits.

In 2025, the Tigers have continued to use their national reach to secure key commitments, and they are well on their way to assembling another top-tier class. However, landing the No. 1 recruit in Florida, a state with an abundance of top talent, would be a statement. It would not only solidify LSU’s status as a national recruiting powerhouse but also send a strong message to the rest of the SEC and the country that LSU can land the best of the best, regardless of location.

The No. 1 Prospect in Florida: Who Is He?

The No. 1 prospect in Florida is Elijah “Eli” Johnson, a multi-position player who has become the most coveted recruit in the state, if not the entire country. Johnson, a 6’4″, 220-pound athlete from Miami, has been the subject of national attention for most of his high school career. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ has made him a versatile weapon for his high school team, capable of contributing in several different roles on both offense and defense.

While Johnson’s ability to excel in multiple areas is a key part of his appeal, it’s his dominance as a pass rusher and wide receiver that has made him stand out among other elite recruits. He has the frame of a traditional edge rusher but the speed and agility to be an effective pass-catcher. Johnson’s versatility means that any team that secures his commitment will have the luxury of using him in multiple ways, making him a unique asset.

In his high school career, Johnson has shown he can make an impact both as a deep threat in the passing game and as a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Whether lined up as a receiver, running back, or edge rusher, he has proven he can excel in any situation. His ability to break tackles, run crisp routes, and get to the quarterback is unrivaled in this recruiting cycle, making him a once-in-a-generation type of talent.

As a result, Johnson has been courted by nearly every top program in the country, with LSU emerging as one of the favorites to land his services. He has already taken several visits to major programs, and now, LSU has secured a visit from this coveted recruit—a move that will likely have a massive impact on his recruitment moving forward.

Why LSU Wants Eli Johnson: The Impact of His Versatility

Johnson’s versatility is one of the biggest reasons LSU has prioritized him in the 2025 class. Under Brian Kelly, LSU has developed a reputation for utilizing players in various roles, emphasizing adaptability and maximizing a player’s skill set. Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a perfect fit for LSU’s system, which has become known for its ability to develop two-way players who can make an impact all over the field.

1. Edge Rusher Potential: LSU has been known for producing top-tier edge rushers over the years, and Johnson’s frame and ability to rush the passer fit perfectly into that tradition. His combination of strength, speed, and motor make him an ideal candidate to fill an edge rusher role on the defensive line. Given LSU’s history of developing elite pass rushers, Johnson could be the next in line to make a significant impact on the defensive front.

2. Offensive Playmaker: Johnson’s skills as a pass catcher are another reason LSU has made him a priority. The Tigers have often relied on versatile offensive weapons who can line up in various spots, from wide receiver to tight end, or even in the backfield. Johnson’s ability to stretch the field vertically as a receiver while still being able to contribute as a ball carrier could add a new dimension to LSU’s offense.

3. Special Teams Impact: Johnson’s athleticism and explosiveness would also make him a potential special teams asset. Whether it’s as a return man or as a player who can create pressure on the opposing team’s punt or field goal attempts, his skill set translates well to making plays on special teams as well.

The ability to play both sides of the ball, while also contributing in multiple special teams roles, gives LSU the flexibility to plug Johnson into a variety of spots. His unique skill set is something LSU is eager to develop further, knowing that a player of his caliber could become a game-changer on both offense and defense.

The Visit: What LSU Needs to Show Eli Johnson

As Eli Johnson prepares for his visit to Baton Rouge, LSU is gearing up for a critical opportunity to make its case as the ideal destination for this top recruit. While Johnson has already taken numerous visits to other schools, LSU will need to show him what makes the program stand out above the rest.

1. Development and Coaching: One of the key aspects Johnson will be looking at is how well LSU’s coaching staff can develop his skills. Brian Kelly has a long track record of developing players at Notre Dame, and his staff has been widely praised for its ability to build players’ skills and prepare them for the next level. The coaching staff’s experience in helping players reach their full potential will be a major factor in Johnson’s decision.

2. Championship Contender Status: LSU is always a program that competes for championships, and Johnson will want to play for a team with a legitimate chance to contend for national titles. LSU has a rich football tradition, and with Kelly at the helm, the Tigers are positioned to continue competing at a high level. If LSU can prove that they are a true contender year in and year out, Johnson will see the value in joining a program that provides such an opportunity.

3. The LSU Family and Culture: LSU’s passionate fan base and the program’s storied history will also play a major role in Johnson’s visit. The feeling of being part of something larger than oneself is a key selling point for recruits, and LSU has been known for creating a strong family atmosphere. Johnson will be looking to see if LSU’s culture aligns with what he wants in his college experience—something that balances excellence on the field with support off the field.

4. Campus and Facilities: Of course, the tangible aspects of LSU’s campus and facilities will also be part of the visit. LSU has some of the best football facilities in the country, including a state-of-the-art weight room, locker rooms, and training facilities. Johnson will want to see if LSU can provide him with the resources he needs to excel and develop his game to its fullest potential.

 What’s at Stake for LSU

For LSU, landing Eli Johnson would be a massive victory in their pursuit of elite recruits, signaling that the Tigers are not only competing for SEC supremacy but also capable of bringing in the nation’s top talent. Johnson’s commitment would be a foundational piece in LSU’s effort to build a roster that can compete for national championships for years to come.

For Johnson, his recruitment represents a significant decision that will shape his future in football. Whichever program lands him will be acquiring one of the most versatile and explosive talents in the country—someone who could contribute immediately and make an impact from day one.

As LSU prepares for this visit, there is no doubt that the stakes are high. With Johnson’s potential commitment, LSU has the opportunity to not only add a game-changer to their roster but also establish themselves as one of the premier programs in college football for years to come. The race for the No. 1 prospect in Florida is heating up, and LSU is poised to give it everything they’ve got.