In the crucial moments leading up to Jared Smith’s commitment, a poster prominently displayed to his right showcased the six schools still under consideration: Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and USC. However, as soon as Smith’s decision was revealed, the poster was turned around, disclosing that his choice was far from unexpected.
Just ten seconds before the announcement, the tension was palpable. Fast forward ten seconds after, and the scene shifted to clarity. Smith, a highly coveted five-star edge rusher from Thompson High School in Alabaster, made his commitment to Auburn on Saturday night. This momentous decision took place atop a rooftop restaurant in Birmingham’s Uptown district, a fitting backdrop for such a significant announcement.
The flipped poster featured a nostalgic image of Smith as a young child. In the photograph, he was holding and pointing to an Auburn hat, all while his family members, who were dressed in Alabama Crimson Tide gear, stood around him. This image captured a poignant moment of allegiance that predated his current decision.
Following his commitment, Smith reflected on his journey and the inspiration behind his choice. “I’m an underdog,” he stated. “Every time the Iron Bowl came around, everyone predicted Alabama would win, but I’d say, ‘No, I’m rooting for Auburn.’ The turning point for me was the Kick Six. That was when my support for Auburn really began.”
Smith’s commitment to Auburn represents more than just a personal allegiance; it marks a significant addition to the Tigers’ defense. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Smith is ranked as the No. 2 edge rusher for the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports. Additionally, he holds the position of the second-best prospect from Alabama.
With Smith’s commitment, Auburn not only secures the highest-ranked player in their 2025 recruiting class but also strengthens their position as they now have eight of the top ten prospects from Alabama on board. Smith’s decision is a critical boost for Auburn’s recruiting efforts, demonstrating the program’s growing appeal and competitive edge.
Smith praised Auburn for its exceptional qualities, particularly the people associated with the program. “It’s the people,” he emphasized when discussing what set Auburn apart from his other options. “The people inside make it special.” His statement highlights the impact that Auburn’s community and culture had on his decision-making process.
Smith’s commitment is part of a significant recruiting surge for Auburn. Over the past week, the Tigers have secured eight blue-chip commitments, including five prospects who pledged during Big Cat Weekend on July 27. This impressive recruiting streak also includes the flipping of four-star athlete Derick Smith from Alabama, the addition of four-star safety Anquon Fegans from Thompson High School, and now Jared Smith’s commitment. As a result, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class has climbed to fifth in the national rankings, boasting a total of 22 commitments.
Smith also expressed his admiration for the culture and atmosphere at Auburn, noting the presence of top-tier players like Anquon Fegans and Eric Winters. “They’ve got top guys like Anquon Fegans, Eric Winters, and all those types of players. Why not be a part of that?” he remarked, underscoring the allure of joining a strong and promising team.
Looking ahead, Smith is already focused on helping Auburn attract even more talent. According to 247Sports, he has his sights set on Parker High School cornerback Na’eem Offord, the top-ranked prospect in Alabama, whom he hopes to convince to join him at Auburn. Additionally, Smith aims to assist in persuading four-star quarterback Deuce Knight to switch his commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn.
In summary, Jared Smith’s commitment is a significant milestone for Auburn’s football program, reflecting not only his personal journey but also the Tigers’ growing prominence in college football recruiting. With a stellar class taking shape and key prospects still in the pipeline, Auburn is poised for a strong future on the field.
