The Auburn Tigers are still aiming for their first winning season under head coach Hugh Freeze. After leading Auburn to the Music City Bowl in 2023, Freeze’s team ended with a 6-7 record after a loss. In 2024, Auburn fell short of making the postseason with a 5-7 record. Despite these results on the field, Freeze has demonstrated his ability to recruit, securing top-10 recruiting classes in 2024, 2025, and 2026 according to On3 Sports. Freeze is determined to continue this trend, as On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that Auburn is one of the finalists for running back Ezavier Crowell.
The other contenders for Crowell are Florida State, Texas ,Alabama,and Ohio State. Crowell, a four-star prospect from the 2026 class, is ranked No. 28 overall, No. 2 among running backs, and No. 3 in Alabama according to the On3 Industry Rankings. Hailing from Jackson, Alabama, Crowell plays for Jackson High School.
Auburn has built a relationship with Crowell through multiple visits, including three unofficial ones and a planned official visit on June 13. Auburn’s 2026 class currently lacks a running back commitment but is highlighted by four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star wide receivers Devin Carter and Denairius Gray, four-star linebackers Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett, and three-star safety Wayne Henry. Auburn will start the 2025 season with a road game against Baylor on August 30.
