Five-Star WR Zion Booker Decommits from Western Carolina, Chooses LSU Tigers Over Tennessee and Michigan
In a stunning turn of events in college football recruiting, five-star wide receiver Zion Booker has officially decommitted from Western Carolina and announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers. This announcement comes as a significant shift in the recruitment landscape for several powerhouse programs, with Booker’s decision marking a pivotal moment in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The talented wide receiver, who had initially pledged to Western Carolina, is now poised to make an immediate impact at one of college football’s most storied programs.
Zion Booker’s Journey to This Point
Zion Booker, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound wide receiver out of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a coveted prospect from the moment he burst onto the scene as a sophomore in high school. His combination of size, speed, and agility has drawn comparisons to some of the top wide receivers in college football, with many scouts praising his route-running ability, hands, and deep-ball tracking.
Booker’s recruitment began early, with major programs across the country taking notice of his skills on the field. Initially, it appeared that he would remain within the southeastern footprint of college football, as schools like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia pursued him heavily. However, in a surprise move, Booker made the decision to commit to Western Carolina in the summer of 2024.
While his commitment to Western Carolina seemed like an outlier given the presence of bigger programs in the region, many speculated that the decision was based on the opportunity to play immediately and be a key part of the program’s development. However, in the months that followed, Booker’s stock continued to rise, and with his recruitment still very much alive, several high-profile schools began to make their moves.
The Decommitment: A Shift in Focus
After spending months in a Western Carolina uniform in his recruitment, Zion Booker began to re-evaluate his decision as his talents garnered more attention from major programs across the country. His stock soared during his senior year of high school, where he turned in dominant performances, catching touchdowns in crucial games and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
By late December 2024, the rumors began to swirl. Recruiters from powerhouse programs like LSU, Tennessee, and Michigan had set their sights firmly on Booker, recognizing his potential as an immediate difference-maker. In an interview with a local sports reporter, Booker hinted that he was considering opening up his recruitment, stating, “I just feel like I have a lot of people who want to help me develop, and it’s important to me that I make the best decision for my future.”
On January 2, 2025, Zion Booker made it official: he was decommitting from Western Carolina, signaling a shift in his recruitment and signaling that the big-time programs he had been speaking with were now at the forefront of his decision-making process.
“I want to thank Western Carolina for the opportunity and everything they’ve done for me, but after a lot of thought, I feel it’s in my best interest to open up my recruitment,” Booker said in a statement. “I want to be in the best position to fulfill my goals on and off the field, and I believe that will happen at a place where I can compete at the highest level.”
LSU, Tennessee, and Michigan: The Final Three
With Booker’s recruitment wide open, three programs quickly emerged as the front-runners: LSU, Tennessee, and Michigan. Each of these programs had a compelling pitch for Booker, with strong recruiting ties, deep rosters, and a track record of success.
LSU Tigers
LSU, under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, has made a name for itself as one of the premier programs in college football. The Tigers have consistently been in the hunt for SEC titles and national championships, and their recent success, including a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff, has made Baton Rouge a highly coveted destination for top recruits.
For Booker, the allure of LSU was strong. The Tigers’ high-powered offense, led by quarterback Walker Howard and an aggressive play-calling scheme, would provide an ideal stage for him to showcase his talents. LSU’s track record of developing NFL-caliber wide receivers, including recent standouts like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, was another significant draw. The chance to play in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football, was a factor that Booker weighed heavily in his decision.
“I want to play against the best,” Booker said when discussing his decision to consider LSU. “They’ve got a culture of winning and a history of developing wide receivers. That’s something I want to be a part of.”
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has experienced a revival in recent years. The Volunteers’ explosive offense, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, has become one of the most exciting units in college football. Tennessee’s ability to push the ball downfield and put up big numbers in the passing game was a major selling point for Booker, who excels at tracking deep passes and creating separation on go routes.
Tennessee’s offense also offers a level of stability and high-level coaching that Booker found appealing. The Volunteers have recruited well over the past few cycles, and the chance to play in a high-flying system that emphasizes the wide receiver position was particularly enticing for Booker. Tennessee’s fanbase, which has supported the program with immense passion, was another factor in his decision-making.
“They throw the ball all over the field, and that’s exactly the kind of offense I want to be a part of,” Booker explained. “The environment in Knoxville is electric, and it’s clear that they’re building something special.”
Michigan Wolverines
Finally, Michigan, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, made a compelling case for Booker’s services. The Wolverines are consistently one of the top programs in the Big Ten, with an established tradition of winning and developing NFL talent. Michigan’s power-run offense, paired with a strong passing game, presents a unique opportunity for a wide receiver like Booker to contribute in a variety of ways.
Michigan has produced several standout wide receivers over the years, including current NFL stars such as Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black. The opportunity to play for a team with national championship aspirations and to contribute in both the passing and running game was a major factor in Booker’s evaluation.
“Michigan has a great culture of winning, and I respect Coach Harbaugh a lot,” Booker noted. “They run a balanced offense, and I think I can be a huge part of what they’re doing.”
Booker Chooses LSU
After careful consideration and discussions with his family and coaches, Zion Booker ultimately made his decision on January 10, 2025. He announced that he would be joining the LSU Tigers, spurning offers from Tennessee and Michigan in favor of a program that has been a mainstay at the top of college football.
In his statement, Booker expressed his excitement about the opportunity to join LSU and play under head coach Brian Kelly. “I’m excited to be a Tiger,” Booker said. “LSU is a place where I can grow, compete at the highest level, and help this team win championships. I can’t wait to get to Baton Rouge and get to work.”
What This Means for LSU
LSU’s wide receiver room just got a massive boost with the addition of Zion Booker. The Tigers’ offensive coaching staff will be thrilled to add a player with Booker’s skill set to the mix. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders makes him a perfect fit for LSU’s offensive scheme, and his versatility will allow him to contribute both as an outside receiver and in the slot.
Booker’s commitment is a huge win for LSU in terms of recruiting momentum. It sends a message to the rest of the college football world that the Tigers are continuing to attract elite talent and that they are building a roster capable of competing for national championships for years to come.
