2025 5-star safety DJ Pickett announces top five schools

Over 40 schools have offered DJ Pickett. The junior out of Zephyrhills (Fla.) is one of the most coveted prospects in the country. Five schools have moved to the top of his list and they are Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Oregon.

“The main thing about this group of schools is how I feel comfortable with them,” Pickett told On3. “I feel I can talk to them, get developed by them and become a better person around the people at these schools.”

The No. 7 prospect in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings communicates with each school multiple times a week. The relationships are important to Pickett. The interest each school helps there chances as he works towards a summer decision.

“This cut just means my decision is coming up. I am looking to commit before my senior season. It is likely to happen around June, July or August next year.

“These five schools are high on my list, but I could still visit others not on it too. I am looking for that feeling on campus. I will be by myself, so each visit will be important to me when it comes time to decide.”

Pickett breaks down Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Oregon

ALABAMA: “I took my first visit last weekend and I liked it a lot. I am planning to get back in January. On the visit, I saw practice and they compete really well. I would get to go against top receivers every day and grow there. Then you have Coach Nick Saban, and he knows what he is doing.”

GEORGIA: “Georgia and Alabama are a lot alike. I like the same things about Georgia that I like about Alabama, then you have Coach Kirby Smart. He is a great coach and he has shown me a lot of love from the start.”

MIAMI: “Miami is my dream school. I have some ties there. My cousin (Booker Pickett) signed with Miami on Wednesday. Miami shows great love. I love the environment down there too.”

MICHIGAN: “My mom went to school there, so I have ties to Michigan. Then I have that relationship with Coach Clink (Steve Clinkscale). It is like he is my high school coach. He is easy to talk to and our relationship is really strong.”

OREGON: “Oregon has a lot of resources to make you successful in life. They are also recruiting me to play both sides of the ball, so that is cool. Their coaches are cool too.”

Pickett has visited Alabama once, Georgia three times, Miami twice, Michigan four times and Oregon twice.