Five-Star defensive lineman Auburn Loses Big Ten Commitment

Marshall’s departure from Auburn’s recruiting class is a substantial loss. According to Rivals, he is ranked as the No. 26 player in the nation, the No. 2 defensive lineman in the class, and the top player in the state of Illinois. His talent and pedigree made him a cornerstone of Auburn’s 2025 recruiting efforts, and his decision to return to Michigan is a setback for a program that had been building momentum on the recruiting trail. While it seemed for a time that Marshall was destined to head south to compete in the SEC, he has ultimately chosen to remain in Big Ten territory, favoring Michigan’s established program and recent successes.

The timing of Marshall’s flip is significant, as it comes amid other decommitments that are starting to raise questions about Auburn’s recruiting stability. Just days earlier, on November 30, four-star offensive tackle Travis Dice decommitted from Auburn and pledged his commitment to Florida. Dice’s departure was another in a series of notable flips for the Tigers this month. On November 11, cornerback Dante Core switched his commitment to Ole Miss, followed by offensive tackle Spencer Dowland flipping to Mississippi State on November 19. Dowland’s decision is particularly striking, as it highlights the appeal of even struggling programs; Mississippi State went winless in SEC play during the 2024 season but still managed to lure away one of Auburn’s recruits.

These losses in recruiting coincide with a disappointing season on the field for Auburn. The Tigers finished with a 5-7 record, marking another losing campaign and failing to meet the heightened expectations for Hugh Freeze’s second year as head coach. This is a step back for the program, as Auburn had qualified for a bowl game in Freeze’s inaugural season. Missing out on postseason play in 2024 has not only dampened the team’s momentum but may also be influencing recruits who are reevaluating their confidence in the program’s direction. Recruits and their families pay close attention to on-field performance, and a lackluster season can erode the goodwill built during a strong recruiting push.

Despite the setbacks, Auburn’s recruiting class remains one of the strongest in the country, currently ranked fifth by 247 Sports. This is a testament to the work Freeze and his staff have put into building relationships with top-tier talent, even amid challenges on the field. However, cracks are beginning to show, and with programs like Michigan closing the gap, Auburn faces increased pressure to hold onto its remaining commitments as signing day nears.

Michigan, meanwhile, continues to assert itself as a powerhouse on the recruiting trail despite a transitional year. The Wolverines, who are coming off a 7-5 season under a new head coach, still maintain the prestige of being the reigning national champions. Their ability to attract top talent like Marshall speaks volumes about their staying power as a destination for elite players. Currently ranked seventh in the 2025 recruiting class, Michigan remains competitive and well-positioned to build on its recent success.

For Auburn, Marshall’s decision underscores the challenges of competing at the highest level in college football, particularly in the ever-competitive SEC. As the program seeks to rebound both on the field and in recruiting, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Auburn can maintain its top-tier recruiting class or if more cracks will emerge. For now, Michigan celebrates the return of a prized recruit, while Auburn works to regroup and refocus its efforts to finish the recruiting cycle strong.