The LSU Tigers have struck gold on the recruiting trail once again, landing a major commitment from one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class. On Tuesday, 4-star cornerback Kendall Thomas — ranked as a top-10 cornerback nationally by 247Sports and Rivals — announced his pledge to LSU, giving Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Blake Baker a massive win in a competitive recruitment.
Thomas, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back out of Cedar Hill, Texas, chose the Tigers over Alabama, Florida State, and Texas A&M. His decision came after months of campus visits, including an official visit to Baton Rouge earlier this spring that reportedly sealed the deal.
“LSU felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus,” Thomas said during his announcement. “The coaching staff showed me how they plan to use me in the defense, and I believe in what Coach Kelly is building there. It’s DBU for a reason, and I want to be part of that legacy.”
LSU has long been known for producing elite NFL-caliber defensive backs — from Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu to Derek Stingley Jr. and Grant Delpit — and Thomas is expected to be the next in that line. His combination of speed, length, ball skills, and physicality at the point of attack has earned him comparisons to recent LSU standouts. He’s currently ranked No. 6 among all cornerbacks and is considered a top-75 overall prospect in the country.
His junior season showcased why he’s so coveted. Thomas finished the year with five interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and two defensive touchdowns, regularly locking down top receivers and showing elite closing speed. Scouts have noted his rare ability to play both man and zone coverage at a high level, as well as his toughness as a run defender.
“Thomas is a complete corner,” said a Rivals analyst. “He’s physical, smart, and instinctive. He’s going to come into a college program and compete for playing time right away — especially at a place like LSU, where the standard is incredibly high.”
For LSU, Thomas’ commitment marks their third 4-star defensive back in the 2025 cycle and their 12th overall pledge. His decision further solidifies LSU’s top-10 national recruiting class and gives the Tigers a true lockdown corner to build around for the future.
The commitment also sends a strong message that LSU continues to be a major player in Texas, a state that has produced several key contributors for the Tigers in recent years. Thomas has said he hopes to help recruit others in the class, including some fellow top prospects from the Lone Star State.
Thomas plans to enroll early at LSU in January 2025, giving him a head start in spring ball and an early opportunity to compete in the Tigers’ secondary.
With Kendall Thomas now in the fold, LSU is once again proving it remains a premier destination for elite defensive backs — and the future in Baton Rouge looks even brighter.