College Football Recruiting: Auburn Tigers Poised to Overtake Alabama in Yellowhammer State
For nearly two decades under Nick Saban, the Alabama Crimson Tide reigned supreme in the recruiting battles within the state of Alabama. However, with Saban retired and a new coaching staff at the helm, the dynamics of in-state recruiting are shifting. Could the Auburn Tigers, under head coach Hugh Freeze, be poised to take control of the recruiting landscape in Alabama?
Auburn’s Resurgence in Alabama’s Recruiting Landscape
Auburn has emerged as a force in in-state recruiting, especially with the class of 2025. The Tigers signed 10 of the top 12 recruits in Alabama, a significant shift from recent years. This success is a direct result of Freeze’s aggressive emphasis on locking down local talent. Freeze’s strategy has yielded impressive results, including top signees like Cam Coleman and Kaleb Harris, who have already made a splash on College Football Network’s Freshman All-America Team.
In comparison, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class secured just one of the top 25 in-state players: interior offensive lineman Micah DeBose. This marks a stark contrast to Saban’s final recruiting cycle, where the Tide landed nine of the top 25 recruits in Alabama, including five
