Auburn Handed Massive Recruiting Loss by Biggest Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers were beaten out by their bitter rivals twice in two days on the recruiting trail. The Alabama Crimson Tide earned the commitment of five-star receiver Cederian Morgan on Friday.

On Saturday, the Tigers watched Kalen DeBoer's team win the affection of five-star safety Jireh Edwards.

Freeze's team remains in the mix for another five-star safety in the 2026 class, Bralan Womack. Still, Edwards is a big swing and miss, being that 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins compares him to former Georgia Bulldogs standout Malaki Starks.

"Punishing defender that should offer some alignment flexibility... as he can spin down into the box or patrol from the border," Ivins wrote in a scouting report. "Projects as an all-around defensive playmaker that can make an impact on Saturdays and then possibly Sundays with his physicality and athleticism.

"Likely to keep the tag of safety, but should really be viewed as a chess piece that can be moved all around in an era where position lines continue to blur."

Other safeties that the Tigers have offered that haven't committed include four-stars Lasiah Jackson, Cortez Redding and Craig Tutt. Three-stars Tyriq Green, Blake Stewart and Nascar McCoy also have yet to make a choice with Auburn on their offer lists.

Auburn's defense was middle of the pack in the SEC last season, giving up 330.8 yards per game. Texas, Tennessee and Ole Miss were tops in that category. Especially during a three-game stretch that includes Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Georgia this season, the Tigers will have to make some big stops.

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

More must-reads: