Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has to think he’s building something competitive on the plains.

Yes, Auburn went 6-7 in 2023 with three-straight losses to end the season, including a loss in the Music City Bowl, but the second year of a system being installed is usually always better, and Freeze has been recruiting at a high level.

His 2024 class was ranked No. 7 nationally. His 2025 class is also in the top ten, and it just got much better with the addition of four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith from Mobile, Alabama.

Smith, a 6-foot-5, 285 pound tackle prospect, committed to Auburn on Wednesday over Mississippi State.

“It’s very family-oriented, it’s close to home, I’ve got a real good connection with the coaches and they’ve just made me feel like I’m at home,” Smith told On3 regarding his decision.

 

Smith did grow up a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, so it has to be kind of wild for him to think about being a Tiger. With that said, it sounds like being close to home was a big factor for him. He also likes the culture that Freeze is building on the plains.

“They’re not going to sugarcoat it, you come to Auburn, you’re going to work,” Smith said. “You’re right around the corner from home, you’re not too far.”

According to 247Sports, Smith is the No. 23 offensive tackle in the 2025 class.