'Most in the recruiting industry' expect bad news for Auburn football on the Na'eem Offord front

Auburn football isn't expected to complete the flip of the state of Alabama's No. 1 overall recruit in 2025, Na'eem Offord. As On SI's Brian Smith reports, "most people in the recruiting industry" expect the Birmingham native to stay committed to Ohio State.

"Offord’s Feb. 4 commitment to Ohio State is just over nine months, old so it’s obvious he’s serious about heading to the B1G. Despite repeated trips to Auburn, plus trips to Bama and Oregon among others, most people in the recruiting industry believe he’s going to stick with the Buckeyes," Smith wrote.

While 247 Sports' Tom Loy expects Auburn to be in the best position to flip Offord, the Parker product is leaving options open enough to be considering LSU still. Offord is playing the field and earning NIL payouts on visits, but Ohio State gives him the best path to the NFL; not only being coached by elite defensive minds in Columbus, specifically CB/secondary coach Tim Walton, but facing the best WR talent in the country.

Auburn football recruiting most hold up for Hugh Freeze to keep his job

Tiger fans have grown accustomed to Auburn being a player on the recruiting trail despite minimal proof of concept on the field. But if that all goes away, Hugh Freeze will be as good as gone.

Freeze can offer immediate playing time, but if the situation isn't conducive to eventually playing in the pros, recruits won't bite.

Thus far, Freeze doesn't have much in the way of NFL draft success to offer.