Since the arrival of head coach Hugh Freeze, the Auburn football program has become more competitive on the recruiting trail, especially when it comes to competing with in-state rival Alabama. In this recruiting cycle, the Tigers are battling to flip multiple Tide commits.

Derick Smith

4-star ATH Derick Smith — who is committed to Alabama as a safety but is being recruited to Auburn as a wide receiver — was on the Plains this weekend for an official visit, his first trip to Auburn since committing to Alabama. He got to spend quality time with his would-be position coach, Marcus Davis.

“Visit went real good,” Smith said, per Auburn Rivals. “I spent the whole weekend with Coach (Marcus) Davis. I think everything he does is really good. I feel like he can develop me to another level.”

Smith plans to make an official decision on signing day after the 2024 regular season, and it will come down between the competitors of the Iron Bowl.

Christian Jones

Meanwhile, 4-star linebacker Christian Jones visited Auburn football for the first time over the weekend. Originally scheduled to visit USC, Jones switched it up and officially visited the Plains. From Omaha, Jones is ranked as the #20 linebacker in the recruiting class of 2025 and the #1 recruit out of Nebraska.

Jones’ change in plans was inspired by Auburn co-defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who previously recruited him at Texas A&M and hails from the same hometown as Jones’ high school coach. The hospitality Jones experienced on the Plains stuck with him, according to Auburn Rivals.

“I would just say I felt a really good culture here,” Jones said. “Everyone is connected, like a big family I would say. I felt that, it was a good, big family.”

Jones is still set to visit Nebraska and Oklahoma and is not rushing into a decision but focusing on his high school season this fall.