The Auburn football coaching staff is in the midst of a working to solidify the recruiting class of 2026. While the pen does not meet the paper for the signing ceremony until December, prospects take important visits over the summer and many like to have their official decision made ahead of their senior season.
Over the weekend, the program hosted 4-star linebacker Adam Balogoun-Ali from West Palm Beach, Florida. He is ranked as the No. 20 linebacker in the recruiting class of 2026 and the No. 46 recruit out of the Sunshine State. It wasn't the linebacker's first trip to the Plains as he was previously on campus for a Big Cat Weekend recruiting event in April, but this weekend was his official visit to Auburn.
"It was great," he said, per Auburn Rivals. "They just re-emphasized how much of a priority I am here, especially in the linebacker room. Coach (DJ) Durkin being a defensive coordinator and the linebacker coach definitely helps a lot. He went over his scheme with me and I think it's definitely something I can fit in."
Auburn football defensive coordinator DJ Durkin continues to be a major asset for the Tigers when it comes to recruiting, and his scheme has appealed to a lot of the recruits that have made their way to campus this spring. Durkin has made sure that Balogoun-Ali knows he is wanted in orange and blue.
"He's a really intelligent dude," Balogoun said. "He's the defensive coordinator. The scheme that they're putting in, so him and the scheme. Then just the linebacker room is not that strong right now. And it's in the SEC, so you put all that together and it's a good fit."
Balogoun-Ali plans to have his final decision made by the end of August, and will officially visit North Carolina, Kentucky and Oklahoma before he decides.