5-star edge rusher Jared Smith has opened up about his decision to commit to the Auburn football program this weekend.
Since Big Cat Weekend, Auburn football has been on a roll with their recruiting success. Following the commitments of three 2026 prospects, the 2025 commits started coming in, led by 4-star cornerback Blake Woodby. The Tigers also managed to flip two recruits from in-state rival Alabama—wide receiver Derick Smith and defensive lineman Antonio Coleman—and later secured a commitment from 4-star safety Anquon Fegans.
The momentum continued this weekend with the commitment of 5-star edge rusher Jared Smith. Hailing from Alabaster, Alabama, Smith is a product of Thompson High School and a current teammate of recent Auburn commit Anquon Fegans.
During his commitment ceremony in Birmingham, Smith had a poster indicating his choice between USC, South Carolina, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and Ole Miss. Upon announcing his commitment to Auburn, the poster was flipped to reveal a photo of a young Smith proudly holding an Auburn hat, surrounded by family members in Alabama gear, as captured by AL.com’s Ainslie Lee.
For Jared Smith, Auburn was always the clear choice.
“I’m an underdog,” Smith shared with AL.com. “Every time the Iron Bowl came around, everyone said Alabama would win, and I was like, ‘Nah, I’m going for Auburn.’ And then the Kick Six happened. That’s where it all started.”
The Tigers have long been favorites to land Smith, thanks to the efforts of linebackers coach Josh Aldridge and head coach Hugh Freeze. Smith’s visits to Auburn further solidified his decision.
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“Man, it’s just the people,” Smith told Auburn Undercover. “Just the people, the culture, the atmosphere. The best recruiting class right now, and I’m trying to be a part of that. That’s about it.”
Ranked as the #2 edge rusher in the 2025 recruiting class and the #2 recruit out of Alabama, Smith’s commitment is a major win for Auburn football. The Tigers now boast commitments from eight of the top 10 players in the state, and their 2025 recruiting class is ranked #5 overall. Smith becomes the highest-ranked player in Auburn’s class, surpassing defensive lineman Malik Autry.
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