Pair of Highly Touted LSU Football Wide Receiver Commits Make Official Visits to Rival Programs, Stirring Concern in Baton Rouge

The world of college football recruiting never sleeps, and LSU’s 2025 class is now feeling the heat as a pair of elite wide receiver commits—both considered foundational pieces of Brian Kelly’s offensive future—have taken official visits to other major programs. The news has reverberated across Baton Rouge and among Tiger fans nationwide, casting a spotlight on the fluid and often volatile nature of modern recruiting, especially in the era of NIL and the transfer portal.

LSU has been enjoying considerable momentum on the recruiting trail, particularly with its wide receiver pipeline—a legacy that includes names like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr., and Jarvis Landry. The 2025 class was expected to carry that torch with two prized wideout commits who rank among the best in the country. Their decisions to visit other schools, however, suggest that the race for their signatures is far from over.

The two players in question are 5-star receiver Michael Turner from Houston, Texas, and 4-star playmaker Jared “Jet” Mitchell out of Atlanta, Georgia. Turner is widely considered one of the top five wide receiver prospects in the nation, while Mitchell, though slightly less heralded in national rankings, is known for his electric speed, route-running polish, and upside that projects well beyond his current recruiting status. Both had previously shut down their recruitment after committing to LSU earlier this year, but now, things appear to be shifting.

Turner made an official visit this weekend to the University of Texas, a program that has gained significant traction under Steve Sarkisian and is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance. Turner’s visit to Austin included meetings with Sarkisian and receivers coach Chris Jackson, private facility tours, and a detailed NIL presentation. Sources close to Turner’s camp say the visit was “impactful,” and that he is now expected to also visit Georgia and USC in June.

Mitchell, meanwhile, was spotted on an official visit to Florida State over the weekend. The Seminoles have been aggressive in targeting flipped commits as they look to reload following a strong 2024 campaign that just barely missed playoff inclusion. FSU offensive coordinator Alex Atkins reportedly made Mitchell a high-priority target over the past two months, and his visit included one-on-one film sessions and an emphasis on immediate playing time.

For LSU, the concern isn’t just about the visits themselves—it’s about the message they send. These aren’t casual unofficial visits or courtesy stops. These are formal, multi-day official visits with red carpet treatment, strategic recruiting pitches, and real potential for decommitment.

Brian Kelly and his staff are aware of the situation and have responded with urgency. Sources say LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan have been in near-daily contact with both Turner and Mitchell’s camps, reassuring them of their role in the program’s vision and reiterating LSU’s commitment to player development and NIL support. The staff is also working to schedule return visits to Baton Rouge for both players in July before the quiet period begins.

It’s worth noting that visits don’t always equate to flips. Top recruits frequently take advantage of their five allotted official visits as part of the process. But context matters. In this case, both Turner and Mitchell had reportedly gone off the market, and their recommitment to the recruiting carousel has naturally alarmed LSU’s staff and fanbase.

Michael Turner’s recruitment was a significant win for LSU when it happened. Snagging him out of Texas meant beating out the Longhorns, Aggies, and even Alabama—programs that have thrown considerable NIL resources at top talent. Turner, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver with elite body control and strong hands, is the kind of player who can make an impact from day one. His chemistry with LSU quarterback commit Bryce Rivers was a known factor in his decision. If that bond begins to fade—or if other quarterback situations become more appealing—his status could change in a hurry.

Turner’s visit to Texas was particularly notable given his previous firm stance on being “locked in” with LSU. His re-engagement with Texas suggests either a reopening of interest or dissatisfaction with something in Baton Rouge. With the Longhorns now an SEC rival, the stakes are even higher. Losing a commit to a future conference foe could sting doubly, both on the field and in recruiting perception.

Jared Mitchell’s situation is a bit more nuanced. While his initial commitment to LSU was met with excitement, insiders always noted that his recruitment would require continued nurturing. Mitchell has long been intrigued by Florida State’s offensive structure, and his relationship with several players already in Tallahassee dates back to middle school. FSU’s staff has stayed in contact throughout, and Mitchell’s recent visit signals that their persistence is paying off.

Florida State is selling Mitchell on the opportunity to be the next Keon Coleman-type weapon—an explosive athlete in a wide-open system with NFL development paths clearly outlined. And unlike LSU, where competition at receiver is fierce, FSU may offer a more direct path to early snaps.

The emergence of NIL as a decisive factor in recruitment cannot be ignored in either case. LSU’s collective has been competitive, but other programs are increasingly aggressive in structuring NIL deals specifically designed to sway undecided or soft-committed prospects. If Turner or Mitchell feel like the financial package at another school better aligns with their personal goals, LSU could be fighting an uphill battle regardless of on-field appeal.

That said, LSU has weathered similar storms before. In the 2024 cycle, the Tigers held firm on several high-profile commits who flirted with other programs. The key was consistent communication, relationships, and, when necessary, face-to-face re-recruiting visits by top staffers. Expect Kelly and company to double down on that strategy once again.

This situation also highlights how critical it is to keep recruiting your own commits in the current era. Long gone are the days where a verbal pledge shut everything down. Now, even committed prospects are being courted relentlessly by rival staffs armed with marketing pitches, depth charts, and lucrative NIL offers. Programs have to treat each commit like a recruit until the ink is dry on National Signing Day—and even then, retention in the transfer portal era becomes the next battle.

LSU is likely to respond by continuing to aggressively engage both Turner and Mitchell, not only with the usual communication but also with strategic messaging—reminding them of LSU’s recent track record of producing first-round receivers, the advantage of playing in the SEC, and the credibility of the coaching staff. And while LSU would prefer not to have to play defense in June, it’s a reality of big-time recruiting in 2025.

Ultimately, whether Turner or Mitchell stick with LSU will come down to trust. Do they believe in the trajectory of the program? Do they feel like priorities? Are they confident in their development under this staff compared to the other options?

Fans will watch closely in the coming weeks as summer visits ramp up, and the situation evolves. Turner’s potential trips to USC and Georgia will be critical indicators, as will Mitchell’s rumored upcoming visit to Auburn. If either schedules an official to Alabama or Ohio State, that would suggest an even wider opening of their recruitment.

LSU, meanwhile, must prepare for all outcomes. If both players reaffirm their commitments after the visits, it will be a testament to the program’s resilience and the staff’s recruiting acumen. If one—or both—ultimately flip, it will force the Tigers to pivot quickly to backup plans, including emerging prospects and portal targets.

There’s still a long road ahead until National Signing Day, but this latest development serves as a reminder that nothing is ever final until the papers are signed. For LSU, the goal now is simple: hold the line, reinforce the foundation, and make sure Turner and Mitchell feel like future stars in purple and gold—not visitors in someone else’s offense.