COMMITTING TODAY: Auburn football target LB Phil Picciotti

Coming off the recent recruiting momentum from adding the commitment of 4-star Montgomery running back Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn football has the opportunity to pick up another prospect today in 3-star linebacker Phil Picciotti.

Ranked as the #445 overall prospect and the #40 linebacker in the recruiting class of 2023, Picciotti is the #8 recruit out of the state of Pennsylvania, an area that the Tigers do not usually pull talent from.

Picciotti will be announcing his commitment decision tonight at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, and he will choose between Auburn football, Michigan, Nebraska, and Oklahoma:

The linebacker officially visited Auburn on June 24-26, his fourth and final official visit after taking trips to Michigan, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. While it seems that the Sooners are currently in the lead to land Picciotti, the Tigers are remaining in the race due in large part to Picciotti’s relationship with his would-be position coach at Auburn, Christian Robinson, per Auburn Live:

"“He’s a great guy. He knows his stuff,” Picciotti said. “I think if I did come here, he’d definitely help me out a lot. I’ve been in heavy contact with him for a while. I’m a priority here. They need a replacement for Owen (Pappoe).”"

With this season likely being Owen Pappoe’s last one with Auburn football, the Tigers are working hard to add new talent to the LB position for the next few years. After Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten went to the NFL, they left behind a position group with plenty of talent but with little proven experience.

This fall, fans will see who steps up for the Tigers, but Phil Picciotti would be a great addition to the roster for next season, and he would be the first linebacker commit in Auburn’s recruiting class of 2023. Look out for his official decision tonight.