Auburn Dealt Devastating Recruiting News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated May 19, 2025 6:40 PM ET

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has proven he can recruit, logging top-15 classes in 2024, 2025, and 2026 via On3 Sports.

The results have not come for Freeze yet, as he has not had a winning season with Auburn since taking the job in 2023.

Things got worse for Auburn on Monday, as On3's Steve Wiltfong predicted the Tigers would lose longtime linebacker commit Shadarius Toodle to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Toodle has been committed to the Tigers since July 27 and had an official with the Bulldogs on Friday.

He is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and attends Cottage Hill Christian Academy.

Toodle is a four-star prospect and the No. 8 linebacker in the 2026 class via the On3 Industry Rankings.

Auburn's 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 13 overall.

The Tigers have commitments from Toodle, four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star receiver Devin Carter, four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, four-star receiver Denairius Gray, three-star inside offensive lineman Parker Pritchett and three-star safety Wayne Henry.

Auburn still has a chance to make another good impression with Toodle. The Tigers have an official visit scheduled with Toodle for June 13.

Despite the prediction that it will lose Toodle, Auburn is still competing for top prospects. International prospect Valdin Sone included Auburn in his top eight.

The program has also been busy in the transfer portal, with its transfer class highlighted by former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold, former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets receiver Eric Singleton Jr., and former Virginia Tech Hokies offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin.

Joel Klatt is high on the Tigers in 2025, putting them at No. 22 in his post-spring top 25 rankings.

Auburn opens the 2025 season against the Baylor Bears on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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