The Auburn Tigers have lost a key defensive recruiting battle, as four-star safety Xavier Lherisse announced his commitment to Oregon. The highly touted defensive back had been considering Auburn, along with **Penn State, Notre Dame, and Florida State, but ultimately chose to join the Ducks.
While Lherisse had an official visit scheduled to Auburn on May 31, his commitment to Oregon casts doubt on whether that trip will still happen. According to Auburn Wire, the Tigers could still make an effort to flip Lherisse’s commitment, but for now, they’ll need to shift their focus to other safety prospects.
Why Lherisse Chose Oregon
The primary factor in Lherisse’s decision was **Oregon head coach Dan Lanning**, who made the safety feel like a top priority throughout the recruitment process.
“They have been consistent, and they love what I bring to the table,” Lherisse said. “When I went up there in the fall, coach [Dan] Lanning treated me like I was already a part of the program. I feel like he has a plan of how they will use me, and I can be an impact there.”
Lherisse’s commitment is a significant win for Oregon, as they continue to build a strong defensive unit in preparation for their move to the Big Ten Conference.
What This Means for Auburn
For Auburn, missing out on Lherisse is a tough blow, especially since he would have been an ideal complement to Kaleb Harris, a standout freshman safety who recorded 44 tackles and three pass deflections last season. The Tigers were hoping Lherisse could come in and contribute early, given Auburn’s need for playmakers in the secondary.
Despite the setback, Auburn still has a slight chance to change Lherisse’s mind. His May 31 visit to Auburn is still on the schedule, and if he follows through with that trip, the Tigers could make one last push to flip him. However, his other scheduled visits in June could also open the door for Penn State, Notre Dame, or Florida State to remain in the race if he reconsiders his decision.
As the recruiting cycle continues, Auburn’s coaching staff will need to regroup and refocus on other safety targets. Whether or not Lherisse sticks with Oregon, Auburn will need to strengthen its secondary for the future.
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