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🟣 BREAKING: 5-Star CB DJ Pickett Faces Shocking NCAA Judgment After Ja’Marr Chase Steps In to Support LSU Program
Baton Rouge, La. — September 6, 2025
The LSU football program is at the center of a developing story involving elite five-star cornerback DJ Pickett, after the NCAA issued a surprising preliminary ruling on his eligibility status — a decision that has stunned the college football community. Now, in a twist few saw coming, former LSU legend and NFL superstar Ja’Marr Chase has personally reviewed the case and is backing Pickett and the Tigers as the program prepares to respond.
🚨 The Shocking Judgment
Sources close to the NCAA enforcement office have confirmed that DJ Pickett, widely regarded as the No. 1 cornerback in the nation and a recent LSU commit, is facing potential eligibility complications stemming from pre-enrollment NIL-related activity.
The NCAA is reportedly investigating whether an NIL deal Pickett was connected to before his official commitment violates “inducement” policies, despite increasing legal pressure and state laws that allow more flexibility.
While no final penalty has been announced, the initial ruling could threaten Pickett’s ability to play as a true freshman in 2026, depending on the outcome of LSU’s appeal.
> “It’s a gray area — but the NCAA is drawing a hard line,” said one compliance expert. “The ruling caught LSU off guard.”
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🐅 Ja’Marr Chase Enters the Picture
In an unexpected development, former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, now a star with the Cincinnati Bengals, has stepped in to personally review Pickett’s situation and advocate for the player and program.
Chase, who remains closely tied to LSU and has supported Tigers athletes through mentorship and NIL platforms, reportedly met with head coach Brian Kelly, athletic department officials, and Pickett’s family earlier this week.
> “I know what it means to wear that jersey, and I know how hard this young man worked to get here,” Chase told a Baton Rouge news outlet. “DJ’s heart is in the right place. He’s a Tiger, and we’re going to fight for him.”
Chase is expected to appear at LSU’s next home game and may speak publicly in support of Pickett before the NCAA’s final decision is made.
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🧠 Who Is DJ Pickett?
Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs
High School: Zephyrhills (FL)
Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Status: LSU Commit (Class of 2026)
Pickett is known for his elite ball skills, closing speed, and physical play. He’s drawn comparisons to former LSU greats like Patrick Peterson and Derek Stingley Jr. His commitment to LSU was seen as a major SEC recruiting win, particularly over Florida and Miami.
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🏛️ LSU’s Response
Head coach Brian Kelly addressed the situation briefly after Saturday’s practice:
> “DJ is a high-character young man. We are fully confident in the process, and we stand by our student-athlete. Our compliance staff is working with the NCAA to resolve this quickly.”
LSU insiders indicate the program will file a formal appeal against the NCAA’s preliminary findings, arguing that all NIL activity involving Pickett was conducted within state law and current NCAA guidance.
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🔎 What Comes Next?
LSU’s legal and compliance teams are preparing a comprehensive response to the NCAA inquiry.
DJ Pickett remains committed to LSU and is expected to enroll early in January 2026 — pending eligibility clearance.
Ja’Marr Chase’s involvement could pressure the NCAA to reconsider the optics of penalizing a player under vague and evolving NIL guidelines.
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📣 Final Word
In a recruiting era full of chaos and controversy, DJ Pickett’s case may become a landmark moment in the NIL era. With LSU pushing back and an NFL superstar like Ja’Marr Chase entering the fray, the spotlight now turns to the NCAA — and the message they’ll send to elite athletes nationwide.
One thing is certain: LSU isn’t backing down.
