Despite being deep into its regular season, Auburn football continues its aggressive recruiting efforts, with game weeks serving as pivotal moments for prospects making official visits. One of Auburn’s top targets is Joseph Mbatchou, a defensive lineman currently committed to the Florida Gators since July 31. However, Auburn is making a strong push to flip the three-star recruit.
Mbatchou, a standout from Grayson High School in Georgia, has been touring multiple SEC schools as the 2024 season unfolds, which has sparked speculation about his future, especially given Florida’s recent struggles. Auburn, along with other powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and USC, is vying for Mbatchou’s commitment.
The six-foot-four, 280-pound lineman attended Auburn’s Week 2 game against California. Despite the Tigers’ loss, Mbatchou left with a positive impression of Auburn’s potential, particularly praising defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams.
“I like the d-line coach because he’s young and fresh,” Mbatchou said. “He builds relationships with his players. He was telling me how he got his job and that if I put in the work, I could be a first-round pick. The d-line played well during the game I watched, even though they lost. I can see myself fitting into their defensive scheme.”
Ranked as the No. 457 overall player and No. 41 defensive lineman in the nation according to On3, Mbatchou is also considered the No. 54 player in Georgia for the 2025 class. His skill set and potential have made him a top priority for several SEC programs.
Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is already ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 4 in the SEC, highlighted by key commitments such as EDGE Jared Smith and defensive lineman Nate Marshall. Securing a commitment from Mbatchou would further bolster head coach Hugh Freeze’s plans to strengthen Auburn’s future, adding even more talent to an already impressive class. With Auburn pushing hard to flip the Florida commit, the recruitment race for Mbatchou is far from over.
