4-star linebacker flips back to Auburn from rival Georgia

Nov 4, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze celebrates with fans after a win against the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze celebrates with fans after a win against the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

In a back-and-forth battle for one of the best linebackers in the 2026 signing class, Auburn has the advantage over rival Georgia again.

On Tuesday, 4-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle announced his flip back to Hugh Freeze and the Tigers.

From Mobile, Ala., Toodle was initially committed to Auburn, but flipped to the Bulldogs in June in a surprise move. After an unofficial visit to the Plains this weekend for the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry, the No. 14 linebacker in the 2026 class had a change of heart.

“Home is where the heart is and my love for Auburn never faded,” Toodle told Hayes Fawcett.

“The team looks different than last year, way better. A different team. I feel like Coach (D.J.) Durkin is doing his thing with the defense. I feel like he’s doing a great job.”

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