Auburn Recruiting Struggles Persist Amid Alabama Competition, NIL Changes

Auburn's 2026 recruiting class has seen a significant drop, falling from No. 8 to 71st nationally and last in the SEC, prompting head coach Hugh Freeze to emphasize a long-term, transparent approach aligned with the new $2.8 billion NIL settlement allowing direct athlete payments. Freeze highlighted the challenges of operating under a salary cap-like system, which complicates adding new recruits without risking current players, and criticized media figures like Paul Finebaum for misunderstanding the modern recruiting landscape. Auburn has lost key recruits to rivals such as Alabama and Florida State, with competition intensifying for top prospects like 4-star linebacker Anthony Davis, who is deciding between Alabama, Auburn, and other programs. Critics, including former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, have accused Freeze of making excuses amid recruiting shortcomings and alleged unfair practices by other programs, though Freeze insists Auburn is committed to ethical recruiting within the unclear NIL rules. Despite Auburn's struggles and depleted resources, Freeze and Athletic Director John Cohen argue for a need to call out violations by other schools, acknowledging the ongoing confusion and enforcement challenges surrounding NIL compliance in college football. The Tigers open their 2025 season against Baylor on August 29, with hopes that recruiting improvements will materialize after August 1 when NIL agreements become official.