After hosting 4-star defensive end Nolan Wilson for an official visit on the Plains, the Auburn football program has apparently drawn even with Alabama in his recruitment.
The Tide was winning the recruiting battle heading into the weekend as Wilson was coming off his official visit in Tuscaloosa, but after spending time with multiple members of the Auburn football coaching staff over the weekend, the Tigers have moved up in Wilson's mind.
Wilson had the opportunity to meet with head coach Hugh Freeze, who made it clear to the defensive end that he is a priority on the Plains.
"It shows me how they feel about me," Wilson said, per Auburn Rivals. "I'm a priority to them. I can tell that I am. He's going to be real with you."
From Picayune, Mississippi, Wilson is ranked as the No. 58 overall recruit and the No. 6 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2026. He is the No. 3 prospect out of his home state and comes from the same high school as current Auburn edge rusher Jamonta Waller.
Waller's presence on the Plains has been a big factor for Wilson, who appreciates the fact that there would be a familiar face on the team should he choose the Tigers. He also says that he and Waller have unfinished business.
"It's one of the main things that keeps my decision weighing," Wilson said. "That dude, I was supposed to win the ring with him in high school. Now I have another chance if I come here to win another ring with him. We were hanging out two days ago. We were just talking about that stuff. Just having him here, it'll make it easier to come here. Now somebody I already know, somebody I already messed with. It'll be easier to get into the scheme and learn Auburn and be able to move around better."
Wilson is set to take official visits to Ole Miss and Miami before the end of the month, and plans to have a final decision shortly after concluding his visits. Still, Iron Bowl rivals Auburn and Alabama are sticking out as the top two.
"I say they're equal," Wilson said. "I think they're the contenders. I'm really starting to get down to the gritty...When I make my decision, it's going to be hard. I just know it is. I've been thinking about it a lot."