BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star EDGE Jared Smith Flips Commitment to Auburn Tigers
Auburn, AL (January 5, 2025) – In a stunning twist to the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, 5-star edge rusher Jared Smith has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Alabama to the Auburn Tigers. Smith, widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, made the announcement on social media late Friday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the SEC recruiting landscape.
The 6’5″, 245-pound Smith, a dynamic pass rusher from Montgomery, Alabama, had previously committed to the Crimson Tide in the summer of 2024, sparking excitement among Alabama fans who viewed him as a potential cornerstone of their defense. However, in a surprising turn of events, Smith took to Twitter today to announce that he would be joining the Auburn Tigers instead, much to the disbelief of the Alabama faithful.
“I’m excited to announce that I’m officially flipping my commitment to Auburn University! This is a decision I’ve thought long and hard about, and I believe it’s the right place for me to grow both as a player and as a person. War Eagle!” Smith wrote in his tweet.
The news is a major coup for Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, who has been working tirelessly to build up the Tigers’ recruiting class and establish a competitive program in the SEC. Smith, one of the most coveted recruits in the country, had been a top target for several schools, but his decision to choose Auburn is a testament to Freeze’s recruiting efforts and his ability to persuade top-tier talent to join the Tigers.
Smith’s commitment is particularly significant for Auburn as it strengthens their defensive line and enhances their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Known for his explosiveness off the edge, Smith is a physical specimen who can disrupt plays in the backfield and has the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
The flip also has significant implications for both Auburn and Alabama. For Auburn, landing a 5-star edge rusher from their in-state rival is a massive victory, signaling that Freeze’s vision for the Tigers is gaining traction. For Alabama, losing a player of Smith’s caliber to their rival is a rare setback for head coach Nick Saban, who has built the Crimson Tide into a recruiting powerhouse. While Alabama remains a recruiting juggernaut, Smith’s flip to Auburn could spark a shift in the recruiting battles within the state of Alabama.
Smith’s decision comes just weeks before National Signing Day, which is set to take place on February 5, 2025. As one of the top prospects in the nation, Smith’s flip is expected to have a ripple effect on other recruits, with several players closely watching his decision. His commitment to Auburn could also give the Tigers momentum heading into the final stretch of the recruiting cycle.
Auburn fans are already celebrating the announcement, with social media platforms buzzing with excitement over the news. Many believe that Smith’s commitment is a sign that the Tigers are on the rise, and that Freeze’s ability to land elite talent will help elevate Auburn back into contention for SEC championships in the coming years.
“This is huge for us,” said Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. “Jared is a game-changer. His ability to get after the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense is exactly what we need. We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait to get him on campus.”
As for Smith, his decision to flip to Auburn is sure to fuel his already high expectations heading into his freshman year. His combination of speed, power, and football IQ makes him one of the most promising edge rushers in the 2025 recruiting class, and Auburn fans are hopeful that he can make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus.
While the rivalry between Auburn and Alabama is known for its intensity, Smith’s flip only adds another layer of drama to an already heated recruiting war. With National Signing Day fast approaching, all eyes will be on Auburn and Alabama as they look to finalize their classes and make a final push for top recruits in the coming weeks.
For now, one thing is clear: Jared Smith’s commitment to Auburn is a massive victory for the Tigers, and it marks a pivotal moment in the future of both the program and the SEC.