Top EDGE prospect sees himself being a fit in Auburn's defense

Outstanding EDGE Chris Wells is currently committed to South Alabama. That could change shortly.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker is a 3-star prospect in the class of 2026. He pledged his allegiance to the Jaguars after receiving interest from Troy and Southern Mississippi. Lately, however, Wells’ relationship with South Alabama has been called into question.

Hugh Freeze offered Chris Wells on August 13th, just over a month after he committed to South Alabama. With the Tigers cracking the AP top 25 poll (24th) and an SEC Championship in their sights, it would be easy to see Wells being impressed with the Tigers and the environment at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Chris was in attendance for the Tigers’ home kickoff against Ball State alongside his brother, Corey—a four-star defensive lineman who is predicted to flip his commitment from Texas to Auburn. The Tigers' defense put on a clinic against Ball State, only allowing the Cardinals to gain 68 yards.

“It was good, it was great actually,” Wells said per Jeffrey Lee of ON3. “Meeting and coming in and talking ball with Coach Roc (Bellantoni), being able to see how they fit me in the scheme and how they do everything.”

In all, the Tigers’ defense totaled six sacks and fourteen tackles for loss on Saturday. They only allowed the Cardinals to score a field goal, and Auburn’s key defenders dominated the backfield. And, sure, Ball State boasts one of the worst offenses in the MAC as the Cardinals have yet to score a touchdown in the 2025 season and have only managed to gain 135 yards across their two losses. Regardless, Wells must have been impressed by the Tigers’ overriding performance.

“The defense flew around,” he said. “They were physical, fast. I love it. I fit perfect in the defense. It’s the same way our high school defense runs it. It’s just a little more versatile, me being walked down a lot more. But that’s what I want to do, I want to be a walk-down edge.”