Recruiting is fun once again in the state of Alabama. The days of Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban dominating a struggling Auburn coach are over.
New Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has already proven himself as an elite recruiter on the national stage, with his program currently ranked second in team rankings, just behind Ohio State. With four fewer commitments than the Buckeyes, the Crimson Tide are in a strong position.
However, second-year Auburn coach Hugh Freeze is putting up a fierce fight. The Tigers are aggressively competing and making significant strides in their recruiting efforts. Auburn is currently ranked sixth in the Recruiting Team Rankings and has secured seven commitments in the 2025 class during July alone.
This includes four-star defensive backs Blake Woodby and Anquon Fegans, and four-star defensive tackle Antonio Coleman, who was flipped from Alabama.
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Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend, a major summer recruiting event, saw the Tigers land three significant 2026 pledges: linebackers Shadarius Toodle and Jamichael Garrett, and four-star defensive end Hezekiah Harris.
Additionally, Auburn flipped four-star running back Alvin Henderson in late June and added four-star safety Eric Winters, who impressed with his coverage ability.
Auburn is still pursuing five-star quarterback Julian Lewis from Carrollton, Georgia, riding a wave of recruiting momentum even before the season starts. This could be Auburn’s best recruiting class since 2010 if they maintain their current trajectory.
Last season’s Iron Bowl was a dramatic affair, with Alabama needing a last-second miracle throw to win. Auburn seems to have turned a major corner since then and deserves recognition for their efforts. Yet, Alabama remains formidable. Despite some rare recruiting misses this cycle, Alabama’s class is still ranked higher than Auburn’s. High four-star prospects like receiver Caleb Cunningham and offensive lineman Ty Haywood are committed, showcasing DeBoer’s recruiting prowess.
DeBoer, who led Washington to a national championship last season, has won 104 of his 116 games as a coach. Key additions to his staff, such as co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist and general manager Courtney Morgan, have bolstered Alabama’s recruiting efforts, particularly in California.
Alabama’s social channels promote their new commitments with #ColdSummer, but Auburn’s hot streak has seen this hashtag mocked. The fierce rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is heating up again, making recruiting in Alabama exciting once more.
