Auburn Adds Commitment from Son of Former San Francisco 49ers 1st-Round Pick
Auburn University has bolstered its already impressive recruiting class with the addition of a highly coveted prospect, the son of former San Francisco 49ers first-round pick, Marcus Thomas. The talented high school linebacker, Luke Thomas, announced his commitment to the Tigers on Tuesday, making waves across the college football recruiting world.
Luke Thomas, a standout defensive player from Baldwin High School in Baldwin County, Alabama, made his decision official after months of speculation. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker has been drawing attention from major programs across the country, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, but ultimately chose Auburn, citing the opportunity to play close to home and the program’s rich history of developing NFL talent.
“This has been a dream come true for me and my family,” said Luke Thomas during a press conference at Baldwin High. “Auburn feels like the perfect place for me. It’s close to home, the coaching staff is incredible, and the atmosphere around the program is something special. I know I’ll have the chance to grow as a player and as a person at Auburn.”
Luke’s father, Marcus Thomas, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the 15th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. The former linebacker spent seven seasons with the 49ers before a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his athleticism, football IQ, and leadership, Marcus was a foundational piece of the 49ers’ defense during his time in the NFL. He played 10 seasons in the league and was a key contributor in the 49ers’ playoff runs during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
“I’m so proud of Luke,” Marcus Thomas said, visibly emotional during his son’s announcement. “This has been a long journey for him, but I’m confident that he’s made the right choice. Auburn is a place where he’ll thrive and grow into the player we all know he can be. I know what it takes to get to the next level, and I believe Auburn’s program will help him get there.”
Luke’s commitment to Auburn is a major win for head coach Hugh Freeze, who has been working hard to recruit talent from across the state of Alabama and beyond. With his impressive combination of size, speed, and football instincts, Luke Thomas is expected to be an immediate contributor on the defensive side of the ball. Auburn’s defense will look to benefit from his ability to read plays and his natural leadership on the field.
“We’re thrilled to have Luke join the Auburn family,” said Coach Freeze. “He’s an exceptional talent, and we’re excited to see him develop as a player. He has the potential to make a big impact here, both on and off the field. His football pedigree is second to none, and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve as a Tiger.”
Luke Thomas’s commitment is part of an ongoing trend for Auburn, as the program has made significant strides in building one of the top recruiting classes in the SEC. With multiple high-profile players in their class, Auburn is positioning itself to contend with the best teams in the conference for years to come.
The announcement also brings added significance to the Tigers’ recruiting efforts, as Luke’s commitment ensures a continued connection between Auburn and the Thomas family legacy, a legacy deeply rooted in professional football success.
As the 2025 recruiting class continues to shape up, fans are already excited to see the next chapter in the Thomas family’s football story unfold at Auburn University.
