Wilson Zierer, a four-star offensive tackle, commits to Auburn, making him the school’s tenth player.
Wilson Zierer, a 6-foot-6, roughly 280–290 lb four-star prospect from Rabun Gap–Nacoochee School in Georgia, officially committed to Auburn on Thursday, choosing the Tigers over top-tier programs, including Alabama and Florida State (On3). Rivals ranks him as the No. 237 player nationally and No. 24 offensive tackle, while 247Sports lists him as the No. 267 recruit overall, No. 21 OT, and the No. 31 overall player in Georgia
This commitment brings Auburn’s 2026 recruiting haul to 10 pledges, and Zierer joins offensive linemen Nikau Hepi and Parker Pritchett as the third O‑lineman in the class (On3). His commitment not only adds top‑tier talent to the trenches but also enhances Auburn’s national recruiting ranking, with some projections placing them at No. 75 overall in 247Sports’ team rankings (SI).
Zierer’s choice appears deeply personal and family‑motivated. His brother, Kilian Zierer, played left tackle at Auburn from 2020 to 2022 before joining the NFL with the Houston Texans (SI). The younger Zierer visited the Plains multiple times—three unofficial visits plus an official visit in May—and admitted the comfort and connection he felt there played a big role (On3).
He told On3 he appreciated how Auburn’s coaches, particularly line coach Jake Thornton, connected with him. “The kid in me likes Auburn,” Zierer said. “I hoped to play there.” Despite elite offers from powerhouse SEC and ACC programs, his love for Auburn was decisive (On3).
At 6′6″ and ~280–290 lb, Zierer brings ideal size for SEC tackles. Ranked top‑30 nationally at his position, he’s viewed as a strong pass protector with good footwork and frame . His recruiting sites praise his technique and physical tools, projection for further growth, and ability to develop into an SEC starter.
Auburn recently lost key veteran linemen like Xavier Chaplin, a former Virginia Tech transfer who is now drawing NFL interest (Wikipedia). Zierer is expected to help fill that void, especially on the left side, and bring depth that Hugh Freeze emphasized during recruiting.
Zierer is the third offensive lineman in the class:
- Nikau Hepi – three-star interior/outside lineman
- Parker Pritchett – three-star lineman
- Wilson Zierer – high four-star OT
That trio gives Auburn versatility—pushing for both guard and tackle spots. Zierer’s high rating and physical presence elevate the group, giving the Tigers a more SEC-competitive forward line in the next two to three seasons (On3).
By beating out Alabama and Florida State, Zierer’s choice signals Auburn can compete for elite talent. Alabama, for example, has surged in their 2026 class with 19 commits—including OT targets like Sam Utu and Chris Booker—and is pursuing Zierer, who fits their mold (Roll ‘Bama Roll).
Despite SEC rivals pulling ahead in overall numbers, Auburn is making concentrated gains in critical positions, improving their team ranking. Landing Zierer gives them a signature recruit to build momentum on the offensive front.
Kilian Zierer’s success at Auburn laid the groundwork. He transitioned from juco All‑Conference honoree to two‑year starter, then earned an NFL shot with Houston (Wikipedia). His time there didn’t just make Wilson familiar with Auburn; it created a sense of belonging and continuity.
Wilson emphasized this wasn’t a simple sibling follow‑along decision—he insisted it was “definitely more my decision.” Yet the family connection, combined with coach support and familiarity, gave Auburn an edge.
Zierer is expected to enroll early in January, competing during spring ball. He’ll likely challenge for a starting guard or tackle role down the line, pushing upperclassmen like Chaplin and refining his draft-level technique. His early development will be crucial under Auburn’s new offensive line scheme and coaching structure.
- Talent & Ranking: Four-star OT; top‑30 nationally, adding SEC‑level talent.
- Fit & Familiarity: Legacy program link and trust in coaches.
- Recruiting boost: Proof Auburn can win high-end battles—especially with Alabama.
- Offensive depth: Helps replace departed Ivy League and transfer linemen.
- Momentum builder: Unlocks recruiting pipeline tied to family and relationship.
Wilson Zierer’s commitment to Auburn is more than just a name on the board—it’s a signal. A high-end offensive tackle with SEC-specific grading, a lineage tied to recent success, and a strong personal investment in the Tigers, he brings immediate hope and long-term upside. For Hugh Freeze and the coaching staff, this is both recruitment validation and strategic positioning—one that could influence more prospects to follow.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of the rest of Auburn’s recruiting class, how Wilson compares to other top OTs, or insight into the competition for his position on campus.
