Although the improvement of the Auburn football program cannot be seen in the records of wins and losses from the last two seasons, it can definitely be seen in the recruiting classes from the previous two years.
Head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff have brought in two back-to-back top ten recruiting classes, bringing a whole new level of talent to the Plains. And while recruiting from the transfer portal has become necessary in this day and age of college football, high school recruiting and player development remain important facets of the game.
According to CBS Sports, one of Auburn football's freshmen is poised to make an instant impact for the Tigers. 5-star defensive lineman Malik Autry, from just down the road in Opelika, Alabama, committed to Auburn as a member of the 2025 class back in 2023 and remained firm in his pledge. He was the No. 2 recruit out of the state and the No. 4 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2025.
"While the best snaps for the 6-foot-5, 339-pounder will come in the years ahead as he transforms his body and refines his technique, Autry still brings the combination of size, power and pocket-collapsing ability you find in only the rarest of physical talents," wrote CBS Sports' Chris Hummer.
"Maybe it doesn't happen early in the season for Autry, but it would be far from shocking to see him emerge as a key contributor for Auburn this year. The Tigers have a need, and Autry is going to be hard to keep off the field, especially for a team that played six interior defenders at least 70 snaps last season. "
The Tigers will return to action on Friday, August 29, for their season opener in Waco, Texas, against the Baylor Bears.