Two LSU football targets have risen to the top 15 prospects in America in recent rankings.

The LSU Tigers, one of college football’s perennial recruiting juggernauts, have yet another reason to smile heading into the summer. Two of their top recruiting targets have officially vaulted into the top 15 of national rankings, confirming what the Tigers’ coaching staff has seen on tape for months. With their rise, LSU finds itself in an enviable position, in contention for two of the most coveted high school prospects in America.

Both players—defensive end *Elijah Griffin* from Savannah, Georgia, and wide receiver *Dakorien Moore* from Duncanville, Texas—have been longtime targets of Brian Kelly and his staff. As the 2025 recruiting cycle begins to heat up, these two blue-chip athletes have not only validated their elite talent with on-field performances but also helped elevate LSU’s recruiting profile among the nation’s best.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 270 pounds, **Elijah Griffin** has been drawing comparisons to recent LSU standout BJ Ojulari and even former NFL star Chandler Jones. Griffin recently shot up to the **No. 3 overall prospect in the nation**, according to the latest composite rankings from major recruiting services like 247Sports and On3.

Griffin’s dominance at the defensive end position is no secret. His blend of explosiveness, size, and versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for offensive linemen. He plays with a mean streak and an instinct for destruction—shedding blocks with ease and collapsing pockets as though he were on a mission.

“He’s one of the most complete edge players we’ve scouted in the past five years,” said an anonymous Power Five scout. “And LSU has been in on him from the start.”

Indeed, LSU has made Griffin one of its top defensive priorities. Defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey and defensive coordinator Blake Baker have spearheaded the recruitment, emphasizing the Tigers’ history of producing elite pass rushers and NFL draft picks.

Griffin, who hails from Savannah Christian Prep, visited LSU in April and came away impressed with both the facilities and the culture.

“LSU is a place where I can see myself growing as a player and as a man,” Griffin said after his visit. “The coaching staff keeps it real, and the energy there is different.”

While Georgia and Alabama are very much in the picture for the Peach State product, sources indicate that LSU has made a lasting impression. A summer official visit is on the calendar, and a fall decision could follow.

On the offensive side of the ball, LSU is making an aggressive push for **Dakorien Moore**, a dynamic five-star wide receiver who has climbed to **No. 14 overall** in the latest rankings update.

Moore, listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds, is a blur on the field. With 10.6 speed in the 100 meters, elite route-running technique, and strong hands, Moore has earned the nickname “The Technician” among Texas high school football insiders. He is the definition of a big-play threat.

Moore originally committed to LSU in August 2023, a decision that sent shockwaves through the recruiting world at the time. However, he **decommitted in March 2024**, opening up his recruitment once again and allowing programs like Texas and Ohio State to enter the fray.

Still, LSU remains firmly in the hunt. According to those close to the situation, the bond between Moore and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton hasn’t wavered.

“Coach Hankton has been real with me from day one,” Moore said in a recent interview. “He understands what I want to achieve, and he believes in me.”

Moore recently visited Baton Rouge again and called it “a place I feel comfortable.” Sources say that LSU still has a strong chance to re-secure his commitment, especially with the team’s high-powered offense under quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan continuing to impress.

The rise of Griffin and Moore into the top 15 of national rankings is more than just a symbolic victory for LSU—it has concrete implications for the Tigers’ 2025 class, which is already shaping up to be one of the best in the country.

As of mid-May, LSU sits at No. 7 nationally in the 247Sports team rankings, with the potential to surge into the top three should they land one or both of these five-star targets.

“The presence of two top-15 players with serious interest in LSU signals how strong this program’s recruiting foundation has become under Brian Kelly,” said recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman. “These are players who elevate an entire class, not just with talent but also with influence over other elite recruits.”

Indeed, if LSU can lock down commitments from Griffin and Moore, it would have ripple effects. Five-star safety Jonah Williams, four-star linebacker Ty Jackson, and top-ranked quarterback Bryce Underwood (already committed) could form the spine of an elite nucleus.

When Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge, one of the biggest questions was whether he could recruit in the SEC at a level necessary to win championships. After a strong 2024 cycle and a hot start to 2025, the answer is becoming clearer.

Kelly’s approach—organized, disciplined, and rooted in player development—has resonated with families and recruits alike. He’s placed a premium on not just recruiting stars, but evaluating players who fit LSU’s system and culture.

“Elijah and Dakorien are not just elite talents,” said a staffer inside LSU’s football operations. “They’re the kind of guys who want to be great, not just famous. That matters to Coach Kelly.”

Kelly’s staff has also emphasized LSU’s commitment to NIL opportunities through its Bayou Traditions collective, academic support, and long-term development.

With Griffin and Moore both rising up the national ranks, the battle for their signatures will be fierce. Georgia is pushing hard for Griffin, banking on its in-state connection and recent defensive dominance. Alabama, never far from the conversation, offers immediate playing time and a track record of success.

Texas, meanwhile, is pulling out all the stops for Moore, who plays just outside Dallas. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has personally led the charge, and the Longhorns’ move to the SEC adds a new layer of urgency.

“LSU is in the middle of an arms race for the nation’s best,” said 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins. “But they’ve got more momentum than people realize.”

As both players prepare for their official visits, LSU will need to capitalize on every opportunity. Griffin is expected to visit in early June, with a likely decision before the start of his senior season. Moore, though less certain in his timeline, could narrow his options after his summer travel is complete.

Here are key dates to watch:

* **June 1-8**: LSU hosts its biggest official visit weekend, where both Griffin and Moore are expected.
* **July 20**: Possible decision window for Griffin.
* **August 1**: Moore’s commitment timeline could come into focus by this point.

Should the Tigers manage to close the deal with both players, it would represent one of the most successful recruiting hauls in recent LSU history—one that could define the trajectory of the program for the next five years.

With Elijah Griffin and Dakorien Moore climbing into the top 15 of national prospect rankings, LSU finds itself at the heart of two pivotal recruiting battles. These are the kind of players who change programs, command attention, and turn playoff contenders into national title threats.

The Tigers are not just in the conversation—they’re leading it. Whether Brian Kelly’s staff can seal the deal remains to be seen, but their presence in the final stretch proves one thing: LSU is recruiting like a champion again.

As the summer unfolds, eyes around the college football world will remain fixed on Baton Rouge, where the next wave of Tiger greatness may soon take shape.