Overview

• The Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class ranks 14th in the SEC with only seven verbal commits compared to Alabama’s 19 pledges and five 5-star prospects.
• Hugh Freeze says he will follow Auburn’s athletic department interpretation of NCAA settlement roster restrictions and maintain his existing recruiting strategy.
• Athletic director John Cohen stresses the program’s commitment to doing things “the right way” under the new roster salary-cap rules.
• Paul Finebaum has criticized Auburn’s recruiting woes as evidence of deeper performance issues under Freeze’s tenure.
• Lane Kiffin’s public jabs at Freeze’s recruiting highlight a growing talent gap between Auburn and its conference rivals.