LSU Football in the Mix for Coveted Illinois Quarterback as Recruitment Heats Up

Brian Kelly and Co. Named Finalists for the Prized Signal-Caller, Sets Visit Schedule for the Spring

 

As LSU football looks ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, Coach Brian Kelly and his staff are doubling down on their recruitment efforts, particularly in the state of Illinois. A highly coveted quarterback from the state, Xavier Johnson, has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects of this recruiting cycle. Johnson, who is widely considered a top-tier quarterback in the class of 2025, has been making waves across the nation with his explosive performance and skill set, attracting attention from some of the biggest programs in college football. LSU has recently emerged as one of the finalists in the race to land the prized signal-caller, making this a high-stakes battle for the Tigers.

 

A Quarterback With Star Potential

Xavier Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Naperville, Illinois, has become a household name among recruiting analysts. Known for his incredible arm strength, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, Johnson has been a key figure in the high school football scene in Illinois. Last season, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, with just five interceptions, while also rushing for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

 

What sets Johnson apart from many other quarterbacks in his class is his versatility. He’s capable of fitting into multiple offensive schemes, whether that’s operating a traditional pocket-passing system or thriving in a more spread-out, up-tempo offense. His ability to extend plays with his legs while still keeping his eyes downfield has caught the attention of college coaches nationwide. It’s no wonder why LSU has been working overtime to get involved in his recruitment.

 

LSU’s Play for Johnson

LSU’s entry into the recruitment of Xavier Johnson is no surprise to those who follow the program. Under Brian Kelly, the Tigers have consistently recruited at a high level, especially at key positions like quarterback. With a history of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including recent successes like Joe Burrow, LSU has made it clear that it’s a destination for quarterbacks looking to develop their game at the highest level.

 

Kelly and the Tigers have made an early impression on Johnson, and his recruitment has heated up quickly since LSU entered the fray. For LSU, landing a quarterback of Johnson’s caliber would be a major coup, not just for the immediate future, but for the long-term trajectory of the program. Johnson is seen as a program-changing player, capable of elevating an offense to new heights.

 

In recent weeks, LSU has positioned itself as one of the top contenders for Johnson’s commitment. The Tigers are now among the finalists for his signature, competing with other elite programs such as Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State. LSU’s reputation for producing NFL talent at the quarterback position and the opportunity to play in the Southeastern Conference, widely considered the most competitive in the nation, are big selling points for the Tigers.

 

Visit Schedule and the Recruiting Battle

As the 2025 recruiting cycle gains momentum, Johnson has started to finalize his visit schedule, with LSU being one of the first programs to secure a spot. The quarterback plans to visit Baton Rouge this spring for an official visit, which will be a key moment in his recruitment. This visit will give LSU coaches and staff a chance to further solidify their pitch, offering Johnson a glimpse into the culture of the program, the facilities, and what it would be like to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in college football.

 

This visit will likely come after other visits to some of Johnson’s other finalists, including Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, with whom he has developed strong relationships throughout his recruitment. Each of these programs offers unique strengths, such as Michigan’s stability under Jim Harbaugh, Georgia’s recent dominance in college football, and Ohio State’s proven track record of developing quarterbacks for the NFL. Still, LSU is hoping that its family atmosphere, strong coaching staff, and high-profile SEC schedule will be enough to sway Johnson toward Baton Rouge.

 

The Tigers are expected to roll out the red carpet for Johnson when he visits, showcasing everything LSU has to offer, including its top-tier coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to develop under one of the most successful quarterbacks in recent college football history—former LSU offensive coordinator and now head coach, Brian Kelly. Kelly’s experience coaching at major programs, including Notre Dame, where he developed a strong reputation for working with quarterbacks, will likely play a significant role in Johnson’s decision-making process.

 

The Importance of This Recruitment for LSU Football

Landing a quarterback like Xavier Johnson would be a game-changer for LSU football. The program is in a unique position right now with Kelly at the helm. Following a successful first season under the veteran head coach, LSU is poised to compete for SEC championships, and Johnson could be the player to lead the Tigers into the next era of dominance. After the departure of former starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, securing a high-caliber signal-caller would solidify the future of the LSU offense.

 

While LSU already has strong quarterback options for the upcoming seasons, having a young star like Johnson would provide depth and potentially set the stage for long-term success. His presence would not only elevate LSU’s offense but also help to solidify the Tigers’ standing as one of the nation’s top football programs. Johnson’s recruiting decision will be critical in shaping the trajectory of LSU football in the next few years.

 

Furthermore, recruiting a player of Johnson’s caliber can have a domino effect, attracting other top talent to LSU. A commitment from a top quarterback can sway other prospects to consider Baton Rouge, knowing that LSU is home to one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation.

 

What’s Next for Xavier Johnson’s Recruitment

As spring approaches, all eyes will be on Xavier Johnson and his recruitment. LSU will be making a strong push during his official visit, but they’ll need to compete with other elite programs that are all vying for his commitment. For the Tigers, this recruitment is one that could determine their long-term success at the quarterback position and set the tone for the future of LSU football.

 

Johnson has indicated that he is still considering all of his options and will take his time in making a decision. The Tigers will need to continue to recruit him aggressively and make a compelling case that LSU is the best place for his development and future success. With so much on the line, the next few months will be pivotal in this recruiting battle.

 

Ultimately, LSU is in the mix for one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and Coach Brian Kelly’s leadership will be key in landing the prize recruit. As the recruiting cycle continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if LSU can land this coveted quarterback and further bolster their position as one of the elite football programs in the country.