Big Cat Weekend looms just over the horizon, marking a pivotal recruiting event for the Auburn football program as they prepare to host some of the nation’s top prospects. Among the latest confirmations is 5-star edge rusher Anthony Jones from Mobile, Alabama, set to make his sixth visit to the Plains and his fourth since the beginning of this year.
Jones, a standout in the 2026 recruiting class, holds the coveted position of being ranked as the top edge prospect nationally and the top overall recruit from Alabama. His presence at Big Cat Weekend underscores Auburn’s commitment to recruiting elite talent, as they vie with other powerhouse programs like Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M for his commitment. While Jones has narrowed down his choices, he plans to delay his final decision until next year, allowing him to fully evaluate his options before his senior season begins. Following Big Cat Weekend, Jones is slated to visit Tuscaloosa, highlighting the intense rivalry for his recruitment among SEC powerhouses.
In addition to the excitement surrounding football recruiting, Auburn’s athletic successes extend to the diamond, where two standout baseball players were recently drafted into Major League Baseball. Pitcher Chase Allsup was selected as the 127th overall pick in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles. Allsup’s tenure at Auburn was marked by 19 starts and 50 appearances, amassing an impressive 159 strikeouts over 140 innings pitched. Meanwhile, pitcher Tanner Bauman was chosen by the New York Yankees as the 271st overall pick in the ninth round. Bauman, known for his consistency and reliability on the mound, contributed nine starts and 42 appearances during his two seasons with the Tigers, striking out 89 batters across 94.1 innings pitched.
These developments underscore Auburn’s prowess in both football recruiting and baseball, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in collegiate athletics. As Big Cat Weekend approaches, all eyes are on Auburn as they continue to build towards a promising future across their sports programs.