Auburn Secures Commitment from 5-Star Edge Rusher Jared Smith

The excitement from Auburn football’s Big Cat Weekend continues to ripple through the program, culminating in another significant recruiting victory.

On Saturday, Auburn landed a major commitment from five-star edge rusher Jared Smith. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Birmingham, where Smith revealed his decision to choose Auburn over other top contenders such as Georgia, Ole Miss, USC, Florida State, and South Carolina, deciding to remain in-state.

This marks the second high-profile commitment from Thompson High School to Auburn within the week, following the pledge of four-star safety Anquon Fegans. During his own commitment ceremony on Monday, Fegans hinted at Smith's potential decision.

“Jared Smith, I’m coming,” Fegans proclaimed. “You’re my teammate at home, and I want you to be my teammate in college.”

Jared Smith is recognized as a five-star talent, ranking as the second-best player in Alabama and the second-best edge rusher nationwide, according to 247Sports. In addition to his football prowess, Smith is a standout basketball player for Thompson High School.

The primary recruiter for the 6-foot-6, 235-pound edge rusher was Auburn’s defensive edge coach, Josh Aldridge. Smith began his high school career at Spain Park High School before transferring to Thompson in October 2023.

With his commitment, Smith becomes the fifth defensive line recruit and the 22nd overall for Auburn’s 2025 class. He joins other elite prospects such as Malik Autry, Jakaleb Faulk, Jourdin Crawford, and Antonio Coleman, all top-100 recruits. Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation by 247Sports.