Top uncommitted CB DJ Pickett breaks down how NIL factors into recruitment

Five-Star Plus+ recruit DJ Pickett is starting to close in on a decision.

And with that, the top uncommitted cornerback in the 2025 cycle and No. 6 overall player in his class is figuring out where NIL weighs in his decision. He told On3 that his top three are LSU, Miami and Oregon.

The 6-foot-4, 180-pound cornerback will be in Baton Rouge this weekend, and On3’s Steve Wiltfong likes where the Tigers are positioned entering a pivotal summer. Miami is in the mix, too, especially if the Hurricanes have a big season. LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond could swing the recruitment toward the Tigers.

“I mean, the process – I like money,” Pickett said with a laugh in an interview with On3 at the On3 Elite Series. “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.”

DJ Pickett already has NIL offers coming his way

As a rising senior at Zephyrhills High School in Florida, he can’t monetize his NIL as a high schooler without losing his eligibility. He’s played 7-on-7 ball with California Power. He said that decision was more than just 7-on-7 ball but “they’re really trying to help kids” through the recruiting process.

Pickett has not fully jumped into the NIL portion of his recruitment. He’s had six-figure offers thrown his way, which is completely legal with the preliminary injunction in Tennessee allowing booster-funded NIL collectives to communicate with high school recruits. He also doesn’t want to hold off on the NIL conversation because he knows collectives and schools could renege on promises if he does not secure a contract.

“It’s important because a lot of people try to mess you over on things,” Pickett told On3. “People in my corner are telling me what’s right and what’s wrong, that’s good.”

As he ramps up his visit schedule and tries to make a decision, he can envision himself at every one of these top three schools entering June. The trio of schools have made a strong impression on him and are driven because of NIL dollars.

But DJ Pickett knows things are just getting started.

“Before all the NIL stuff, I liked them all,” he said. “I liked those three schools and they just made me feel comfortable. … I feel like once OVs are coming, that’s when everything starts kicking in. But I’m at the beginning.”