Auburn’s 2026 recruiting class was once soaring high, ranked at an impressive No. 8 in the nation according to On3. The future looked bright for the Tigers, with top recruits committing left and right. However, fast-forward to the present and the situation has taken a dramatic turn. Auburn has plummeted all the way to 66th in the rankings, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. But what exactly caused this sudden drop? And more importantly, what is being done to turn things around?
On a recent episode of See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack, Auburn’s head coach Hugh Freeze and athletic director John Cohen addressed the team’s recruiting struggles. Both Freeze and Cohen acknowledged the decline in rankings and expressed their disappointment. However, they also remained optimistic and determined to fix the issue.
One of the main reasons for Auburn’s drop in the rankings is the departure of former head coach Gus Malzahn. Malzahn had a strong recruiting track record and his sudden departure left a void in the program. Freeze, who was hired in December 2021, had limited time to build relationships with potential recruits and put together a solid class. Cohen also pointed out that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made recruiting even more challenging, with restrictions on in-person visits and evaluations.
Despite these challenges, Freeze and Cohen are not making any excuses. They have a clear plan in place to improve Auburn’s recruiting efforts and get the program back on track. One of the key strategies is to focus on building relationships with high school coaches and players. Freeze emphasized the importance of establishing trust and connections with these individuals, as they play a crucial role in the recruiting process.
Another aspect that Freeze and Cohen are prioritizing is creating a winning culture at Auburn. The Tigers have had a few disappointing seasons in recent years, and this has affected their recruiting efforts. Freeze believes that a successful team on the field will attract top recruits, and he is determined to turn Auburn into a winning program once again.
In addition to these efforts, Auburn has also made some changes to its recruiting staff. The Tigers have hired a new director of player personnel, who will be responsible for identifying and evaluating potential recruits. This addition to the staff will provide a fresh perspective and help streamline the recruiting process.
Despite the current struggles, Auburn’s coaching staff remains confident in their ability to recruit top talent. They have a strong track record of developing players and sending them to the NFL, which is an attractive selling point for potential recruits. Freeze also mentioned that the facilities at Auburn are top-notch and can compete with any other program in the country.
Furthermore, Auburn’s location in the talent-rich state of Alabama is also a major advantage. The state produces a significant number of top high school football players every year, and Auburn is ideally situated to capitalize on this talent pool. With the right approach and effort, there is no reason why Auburn cannot return to its former glory in recruiting.
In conclusion, Auburn’s drop in the recruiting rankings may have been a setback, but it is not the end of the road. Freeze and Cohen are determined to turn things around and have a solid plan in place to do so. With their focus on building relationships, creating a winning culture, and making strategic changes to the recruiting staff, Auburn is poised for a comeback. And with the state of Alabama producing top football talent year after year, the future looks bright for the Tigers. So, Auburn fans, don’t lose hope. The best is yet to come. War Eagle!