LSU Tigers Could Lose Top Offensive Line Target as Recruiting Prediction Favors a Key SEC Rival’s Commitment Win

LSU football’s quest to reload its offensive line for the future may have just taken a significant hit. One of the Tigers’ highest-priority targets in the 2025 recruiting class, four-star offensive tackle Micah DeBose, has just been predicted to land with an SEC rival. The development has sent ripples through the LSU fan base and recruiting circles alike, as the Tigers had been long considered a frontrunner for the elite lineman’s services.

DeBose, who plays for Vigor High School in Prichard, Alabama, has been a dominant force on the field. At 6-foot-5 and over 315 pounds, he boasts a powerful blend of strength, footwork, and tenacity in the trenches. Widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, he holds offers from nearly every major program in the country, but his decision is now reportedly narrowing between just a few top-tier SEC schools.

The latest development came when On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) began heavily trending in favor of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Notably, Alabama recruiting insider Joseph Hastings logged a prediction with a confidence level that has many now believing that DeBose is leaning toward staying home and playing for the Tide. It’s a major development, especially for LSU, which has poured considerable effort into building a relationship with DeBose over the past several months.

The Tigers’ offensive line has seen a resurgence under offensive line coach Brad Davis. After years of inconsistency and lackluster depth, LSU has managed to assemble a group that is both talented and physical. In recent seasons, players like Will Campbell and Emery Jones have emerged as anchors, and LSU is looking to continue that trend with the 2025 recruiting class. The coaching staff identified DeBose early as a key piece in that puzzle, and had been aggressively recruiting him with the hopes of landing his commitment before the fall.

However, Alabama has now surged in momentum, and the timing couldn’t be worse for the Tigers. DeBose made a recent unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa, where he reportedly had a “game-changing” interaction with new offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. According to sources close to the situation, DeBose came away from the visit extremely impressed with Alabama’s developmental plan for him, and the opportunity to play close to home in a championship-caliber environment may be too tempting to pass up.

For LSU, losing a player like DeBose to a direct SEC rival would be a gut punch. Not only would it represent a miss on the recruiting trail, but it would also boost a primary competitor in the race for SEC dominance. Alabama and LSU are in a constant tug-of-war over elite recruits, and each commitment—or loss—can tip the balance in the ultra-competitive world of SEC football.

DeBose had previously spoken highly of LSU, and by all accounts, the relationship between him and the Tigers’ coaching staff remains strong. In interviews, he often cited LSU’s offensive line tradition, the culture in Baton Rouge, and the opportunity to compete in the SEC West as primary attractions. In fact, he visited LSU multiple times and was seen connecting with current players during spring practices and junior day events.

Still, the draw of the hometown team is powerful, and Alabama has wasted no time capitalizing on that edge. The Crimson Tide’s new-look coaching staff under Kalen DeBoer has placed a renewed emphasis on securing elite in-state talent. With DeBose squarely in their crosshairs, it seems their effort may be paying off.

This wouldn’t be the first time Alabama and LSU have locked horns for a major offensive lineman. The two programs have a long history of battling for trench talent, from the likes of Cam Robinson to more recent prospects like Lance Heard. In many cases, the winner of those battles has gone on to benefit greatly on the field. That’s why DeBose’s recruitment feels like more than just a singular commitment—it’s a signal of momentum.

From a broader perspective, LSU still has time to regroup. The 2025 class is still developing, and the Tigers have other offensive line targets on the board, including four-star prospects like Michael Fasusi, Lamont Rogers, and Josh Petty. But DeBose represented a top-tier option who was not only SEC-ready but already equipped with the physical tools to compete early in his college career.

It’s important to note that recruiting predictions are not guarantees. The RPM has shifted directions in the past, and players often change their minds as official visits occur and relationships evolve. LSU has not backed off in its pursuit of DeBose, and the Tigers are expected to make a final push this summer, particularly during the official visit window.

Sources close to the LSU program suggest that an official visit from DeBose is still in the cards, potentially giving the Tigers one last opportunity to sway the momentum. Should that visit happen and go well, the Tigers could claw their way back into contention. In the world of high-level recruiting, especially in the SEC, things can change rapidly.

There’s also the NIL component to consider. While no specific numbers have been reported, NIL opportunities are known to play a role in major recruitment decisions, especially for offensive linemen, who are increasingly becoming valued in the new era of player compensation. LSU’s alignment with the Bayou Traditions collective has been instrumental in previous recruiting victories, and it’s reasonable to expect that they’ll remain active in this situation.

Even with the recent shift in momentum, LSU’s fanbase has reason to stay optimistic. Recruiting is rarely a straight line, and the Tigers have pulled off late coups before. If DeBose delays his decision until after official visits or into the fall, the Tigers could reassert themselves in a big way. It’s a matter of persistence, relationship maintenance, and the ability to pitch a vision that resonates with the player and his family.

At the same time, the reality is that the SEC’s top programs are now more aggressive than ever in the NIL era, and the competition for elite linemen is only getting fiercer. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and LSU are no longer just recruiting players—they’re making full-scale presentations that touch every facet of a young athlete’s life, from development to marketing to life after football. In that environment, even the smallest edge can turn a recruitment.

DeBose’s recruitment also serves as a reminder that regional proximity still matters in the SEC. While national recruiting is prevalent, players in states like Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas still grow up with deep ties to their local programs. When those schools make compelling pitches and show serious investment, those roots often prove difficult to break.

For LSU, the challenge now is twofold: maintain strong communication with DeBose while simultaneously ramping up efforts with other high-level offensive line prospects. Depth and quality in the trenches are crucial in the SEC, and LSU has seen first-hand what elite line play can do for a program’s trajectory.

The next few weeks will be telling. If LSU can secure an official visit and make a lasting impression, this battle may not be over. But as it stands, Alabama appears to have taken a commanding lead in one of the most critical recruitments on LSU’s board. The Tigers have made it clear they won’t go down without a fight—but they’ll have to fight harder than ever to flip the narrative back in their favor.

This is not just about one player. It’s about momentum, recruiting power, and the ongoing tug-of-war between LSU and Alabama for the SEC’s future. And for now, the advantage may be shifting.