The Auburn Tigers’ Big Cat Weekend has proven to be a major win for football recruiting efforts. Head coach Hugh Freeze is assembling another top-10 recruiting class, solidifying Auburn’s standing as a force in college football.
The weekend’s success was highlighted by significant commitments for both the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes. Starting on Friday, the Tigers secured pledges from key prospects, particularly among in-state talent for 2026. This early momentum propelled Auburn to the top of the preliminary 2026 team rankings.
Among the first commitments was Hezekiah Harris, a 6’5″, 220-pound edge rusher from Mae Jemison High in Huntsville, ranked No. 22 nationally for 2026 by 247 Sports. Joining him were linebackers Shadarius Toodle (6’3″, 210 pounds) from Cottage Hill Christian Academy, rated No. 86, and JaMichael Garrett (6’2″, 205 pounds) from Gulf Shores High School, ranked No. 112. Toodle praised Coach Freeze for “turning the program back into a national championship contender.”
With five commitments already in place for the 2026 class, Auburn is capitalizing on early engagement. Meanwhile, the 2025 recruiting class, consisting of prospects entering their senior seasons, has gained four commitments recently, with more expected soon. Notably, Auburn flipped two players from Alabama: defensive tackle Antonio Coleman, ranked No. 100 nationally, and versatile athlete Derick Smith, a top-45 prospect who chose Auburn for its promise to play him at receiver.
Additional key additions include cornerback Blake Woodby from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, rated No. 22 nationally by ESPN, and John Alan McGuire, a top-rated punter and kicker from Thompson High School in Alabama.
Auburn’s dominance extends to in-state recruiting, with potential commitments from several of Alabama’s top-ranked players, including Thompson High’s safety Anquon Fegans and defensive end Jared Smith. Fegans is set to announce his decision soon, with Auburn leading against competitors like LSU, Georgia, and Alabama.
Currently, Auburn appears poised to secure commitments from seven of Alabama’s top 10 players in the 2025 class. While Alabama’s recruiting class under new head coach Kalen DeBoer is also strong, ranked second nationally, Auburn is clearly outpacing them in in-state success.
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