Auburn Tigers and Hugh Freeze pushing hard to lock in elite running back recruits amid official visits
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze is making significant strides in bolstering the team’s running back roster, focusing on securing elite talent amid a competitive recruiting landscape. With official visits underway, Freeze and his staff are intensifying efforts to lock in top-tier running back recruits, aiming to build upon the momentum of recent successes.
Alvin Henderson: A Homegrown Talent
One of the crown jewels of Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is Alvin Henderson, a four-star running back from Elba, Alabama. Henderson, who holds the state’s all-time rushing record with over 10,000 yards, committed to Auburn after decommitting from Penn State. His decision was heavily influenced by the relationship he built with Coach Freeze.
“Coach Freeze made me feel like a top priority,” Henderson told On3. “Since he got there, he has recruited me hard, he has made me feel special and I knew he wanted me from the time he got there.”
Henderson’s commitment not only adds a dynamic playmaker to Auburn’s backfield but also signals the program’s renewed ability to retain top in-state talent.
Pursuing Akylin Dear: Strengthening Mississippi Ties
Auburn is also targeting Akylin Dear, a four-star running back from Quitman, Mississippi. Dear, ranked as the No. 10 running back in the 2025 class by On3, has been a focal point for Freeze and newly appointed offensive coordinator Derrick Nix. The coaching duo visited Dear in January, emphasizing Auburn’s commitment to securing his talents.
Dear has expressed interest in several programs, including Ole Miss, Florida, and Alabama. However, Auburn’s persistent recruitment efforts and the existing Mississippi connections within the coaching staff could play a pivotal role in swaying his decision.
Ezavier Crowell: In-State Star on the Radar
Another promising prospect is Ezavier Crowell, a four-star running back who has delivered back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons with over 60 touchdowns. Crowell recently narrowed his choices to six schools, with Auburn making the cut. His proximity to Auburn and the program’s recent recruiting successes position the Tigers as strong contenders for his commitment.
Derek Cooper: Competing for the Nation’s Top Back
Auburn is in the mix for Derek Cooper, the nation’s No. 1 running back in the 2026 class. Cooper, who has amassed 905 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his junior year, is considering several top programs, including Georgia, Miami, Florida State, Alabama, and Ohio State. While Auburn faces stiff competition, the coaching staff’s proactive approach and the program’s upward trajectory could influence Cooper’s decision.
Strategic Recruiting Initiatives
Coach Freeze has emphasized the importance of winning in-state recruiting battles, a strategy that has yielded significant results. Auburn’s 2025 class includes eight of the top ten players from Alabama, marking a historic achievement for the program. This focus on local talent not only strengthens the team’s foundation but also fosters a sense of community and pride.
Additionally, Auburn’s “Big Cat Weekend” has become a pivotal event in the recruiting calendar, attracting top prospects and creating an engaging environment for potential commits. The event has been instrumental in flipping high-profile recruits, such as five-star wide receiver Perry Thompson from Alabama.
Looking Ahead
As official visits continue, Auburn’s coaching staff remains diligent in their pursuit of elite running back talent. The combination of strategic in-state focus, strong relationships with recruits, and a rejuvenated program identity under Coach Freeze positions Auburn as a formidable force in college football recruiting.
With a top-10 recruiting class already secured and momentum building, the Tigers are poised to reestablish themselves as a powerhouse, both on the field and in the recruiting arena.
