Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has emphasized the importance of in-state recruiting in the 2025 cycle, making it the team’s top priority. Despite recent struggles on the field, including a losing record this season, Auburn’s recruiting efforts remain strong. Since taking over for Bryan Harsin, Freeze has made significant progress in revitalizing the Tigers’ recruiting strategy.
Auburn’s 2024 recruiting class is ranked #6 nationally and #4 in the SEC, just behind Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. A standout achievement this year is Auburn’s success in signing in-state prospects, with the Tigers securing 11 players from Alabama, while rival Alabama only signed two.
Among the top recruits from Alabama, Auburn secured eight of the top 10, including #2 Jared Smith (edge), #3 Anquon Fegans (safety), #4 Derick Smith (ATH), #5 Eric Winters (safety), #7 Malik Autry (defensive line), #8 Alvin Henderson (running back), #9 Jakaleb Faulk (linebacker), and #10 Jourdin Crawford (defensive lineman). Although Auburn missed out on the top recruit, Na’eem Offord, who flipped to Oregon, and #6 Zion Grady, who signed with Ohio State, the class is still seen as a significant win for Freeze and the program.
“It was priority No. 1,” Freeze said. “We have to win our share of battles in-state. I was clear with our staff about my vision for recruiting when we got here, and it starts in this state. This year was a success for sure, and we came close to being even more successful. We were in strong battles for all of them.”
With the early signing period wrapping up on December 6 and the regular signing period in February, Freeze remains committed to building Auburn’s future with a strong foundation from within the state.
