Hugh Freeze Making Waves in Auburn Recruiting
Hugh Freeze is steadily rebuilding Auburn Football after the struggles left behind by the previous coaching staff. The Tigers just secured the nation’s 6th-ranked recruiting class, and the roster appears significantly deeper than it was a year ago. Now, Freeze is pushing into high-stakes recruiting battles for some of the top talent in the country.
This week, Freeze and his staff set their sights on flipping a key Alabama commit, as Auburn received encouraging news regarding a top edge rusher they’ve been pursuing.
Jamarion Matthews – Four-Star EDGE Prospect
Jamarion Matthews has skyrocketed from an unranked prospect in the 2026 class to a Top 200 player in just a few months—and he may still be underrated. Every recruiting cycle, a few overlooked talents gain attention midseason, leading to a rush of offers from major programs. Matthews is the latest example.
Since the middle of his 2024 high school season, Matthews has received nearly 20 Power Five offers and committed to Alabama in late February. However, his recruitment is far from over. As of March 31st, Matthews has scheduled official visits to both Auburn and Penn State this summer, despite his commitment to the Crimson Tide.
It’s wise for Matthews to take his time and ensure that Alabama is the right choice for him. His recruitment has really picked up since late October, when he had only three offers from power conference schools: Ole Miss, Penn State, and Louisville. Since then, he’s managed to make a few visits to different programs, but his quick commitment was somewhat unexpected.
Last fall, Matthews recorded 17 sacks in just 10 games, showcasing his exceptional speed, agility, and strength. With over 30 sacks in only two seasons, he has physically developed into a player ready to be a starting edge rusher from day one. It’s no surprise that top programs like Auburn, Alabama, and Penn State are vying for him. The question remains: can Auburn sway him away from Alabama with their final official visit this summer?
Given Auburn’s current depth on the defensive front, they will likely rely on Matthews to have an immediate impact. Keldric Faulk, one of the nation’s standout pass rushers last year, is expected to enter the NFL Draft after the 2025 season, and Keyron Crawford (who’s likely to start alongside Faulk) could also depart if he has a strong year. Amaris Williams is anticipated to take over Faulk’s role, but the competition for the true stand-up edge position will be wide open next spring.
If Auburn and Hugh Freeze can present Matthews with a compelling case for immediate playing time in the SEC, he might just decide to join the Tigers. We can only hope the Auburn staff can close the deal, as Matthews has the potential to be a transformative player.
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