Recruiting: Former Wisconsin DT Gio Paez commits to LSU

The LSU Tigers have secured their first defensive line prospect during the second transfer portal window for 2024. Indications suggest it won’t be their last.

Coming aboard is Gio Paez, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound nose tackle from Wisconsin. Paez, who will take advantage of his extra COVID year in 2024, is set to play as a sixth-year senior. His arrival is anticipated to bolster the Tigers’ defensive line depth significantly.

Let’s Geaux ✍🏼 pic.twitter.com/IruoKs84UC

— Gio Paez (@Gio_paez7117) March 26, 2024

During his time with the Badgers, Paez amassed 36 career stops, with 23 of those tackles occurring last season. In 34 contests while at Wisconsin including 13 in 2023, Paez earned six starts and recorded a season-high of four tackles against Iowa.

Primarily slotted for the nose tackle position, Paez’s athletic journey started on the basketball courts of Los Angeles. That background has enhanced him with exceptional balance and footwork, attributes that are poised to serve him well on the football field.

Paez’s mother, Yvette, who encouraged him to pursue football, has cited Jeremiah 33:3 for her son as a guiding verse: “Seek me, and I’ll show you hidden treasures.”