Why 5-star offensive lineman Soloman Thomas flipped to LSU and what it means for Tigers

In a reversal late in signing day, five-star offensive lineman Soloman Thomas left the team. Florida State Seminoles I signed LSU TigersIt shows one of the big changes in the 2025 recruiting class.

Thomas, ranked No. 13 in the 2025 class by ESPN, is a 6-foot-3, 315-pound offensive lineman who could jump to the interior at the next level.

Over the years, Thomas has received 34 offers from various luxury majors across the United States. floridaverbally committed to the Seminoles in December 2023.

But that didn't stop teams from checking in and bringing five-star players to campus. Thomas took official visits to Florida, LSU and Florida State this summer, making frequent visits to the latter at the same time, making it seem as if Thomas had a mind of his own. Recruitment activity will continue for a long time.

However, the Seminoles had a disastrous 1-11 season under coach Mike Norvell, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller during the season.

Atkins was Thomas' lead recruiter, which opened up the opportunity for LSU to sneak back in and pull off a huge upset, ultimately accomplishing it on Early National Signing Day, adding a big boost to the Tigers' 2025 recruiting class. It gave a boost.

As National Signing Day quickly approaches, there is no clear information on who Florida State's new offensive line coach will be, adding to the uncertainty for the five-star player as he begins to weigh his options.

Thomas was in Baton Rouge for LSU's game against Vanderbilt in Week 13, where he got a better understanding of his chances with the Tigers and kept an open mind for the early part of his contract, ultimately leading to a reversal. fulfilled.

What does this move mean for LSU?

Well, Thomas is the headliner, rounding out a strong 2025 recruiting class along the offensive line that also includes four-star Karius Khan, four-star Tyler Miller, and three-star Brett Bordelon. It is something.

But it also gives them a big solution to their depth problem along the offensive line, while giving Thomas a chance to play early for the Tigers no matter where he stays.

Thomas has been versatile in high school, playing both guard and tackle, giving LSU more flexibility in where it can place him if he decides he's ready to play as a freshman.

The Tigers will likely be dealing with a number of underclassmen and inexperienced players along the offensive line next year, especially with the departure of tackle Emery Jones, and Thomas has a good chance to compete for an opportunity early. It will be given.

Additionally, this is a significant statement for head coach Brian Kelly's program as he was able to poach Thomas from Florida State, where both the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles were involved in this recruitment.

Thomas elevated LSU's 2025 freshman class to a top-10 group nationally.Meanwhile, the Seminoles dropped in class from 22nd to 29th at Rivals.

One of the top offensive linemen in the Class of 2025, Thomas could be eyed as an early contributor next year, which would be a big win for Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers.