After an intense National Signing Day, the Auburn Tigers wrapped up their 2025 recruiting cycle ranked seventh in the nation, according to 247Sports.com. Heading into the final day, Auburn held the No. 6 spot, but the Michigan Wolverines edged them out after securing offensive lineman Ty Haywood.
Despite this slight drop, Auburn head coach **Hugh Freeze has once again delivered a **top-10 recruiting class**—his third consecutive year achieving this feat since taking over the program. This year’s class features some elite talent, with three standout recruits who could make a significant impact in the coming seasons.
1. Deuce Knight – Five-Star Quarterback
Deuce Knight was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, with **Ole Miss** and **Notre Dame** making strong pushes to land him. Each of these programs—including Auburn—was in dire need of a quarterback, as **Payton Thorne (Auburn), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), and Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)** were all set to graduate. In the end, Knight chose to join the Tigers, giving Auburn a dynamic offensive weapon for the future.
Throughout his high school career, Knight demonstrated his elite playmaking abilities, finishing with **7,855 passing yards and 56 passing touchdowns**. However, his talents weren’t limited to just the air—he also showcased his athleticism on the ground, tallying **1,361 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns.
His outstanding performance earned him selections to both the **Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game** and the **U.S. Navy All-American Bowl**. Although Auburn brought in transfer quarterback **Jackson Arnold** to replace Payton Thorne, Knight could be a valuable backup and a long-term solution at the position if Arnold doesn’t meet expectations.
2. Malik Autry – Four-Star Defensive Lineman
Malik Autry was another major addition to Auburn’s 2025 class. The talented defensive lineman attracted interest from top programs like **Florida** and **Ohio State**, but ultimately, he committed to Auburn. Head coach **Hugh Freeze** made it a priority to strengthen the Tigers’ defensive front, and Autry’s addition aligns perfectly with that focus.
Over his high school career, Autry proved to be a disruptive force on the defensive line. He racked up **152 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks**, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks and stopping the run. His efforts earned him several accolades, including selections to the same **Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game** and **U.S. Navy All-American Bowl** that Deuce Knight participated in.
Additionally, Autry was named **Rivals Camp MVP** and received **7A All-State honors**, cementing his reputation as one of the top defensive linemen in his class. Auburn fans can expect him to be a key contributor in the trenches.
3. Jared Smith – Four-Star Edge Linebacker**
Jared Smith was another high-profile addition to Auburn’s defense. The **four-star edge rusher** received offers from numerous SEC powerhouses, including **Georgia, Ole Miss, and South Carolina**, but ultimately decided to join the Tigers.
Smith played a vital role in leading his high school team, **Thompson High School**, to a state championship alongside fellow Auburn signee **Anquon Fegans**. In his senior season, he recorded **78 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 20 quarterback hurries**, demonstrating his ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses.
His dominance on the field earned him multiple prestigious accolades:
– **Class 7A Lineman of the Year**
– **First-Team All-State (7A)**
– **Ranked No. 2 Overall Recruit by ESPN, On3, and 247Sports**
Smith’s combination of athleticism, strength, and high football IQ makes him a valuable asset to Auburn’s defense, and he has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Final Thoughts
Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is packed with top-tier talent, and **Hugh Freeze** has once again positioned the Tigers as a contender in the SEC. With playmakers like **Deuce Knight, Malik Autry, and Jared Smith**, Auburn has reinforced both sides of the ball, ensuring a bright future for the program. Fans will be eager to see how these young stars develop and contribute to Auburn’s success in the coming years.
Leave a Reply