AUBURN | There have been many, many years that splitting or coming close to splitting the top prospects in the state with Alabama would be quite an accomplishment for Auburn’s recruiting.

That certainly wasn’t the case this year, not even close.

The Tigers dominated in-state recruiting, signing six of the top 10 and 11 total from the state of Alabama. The Tide didn’t sign a player in the top 10 and just two from in-state.

“It was priority No. 1,” said AU coach Hugh Freeze. “We have to win our share of battles in state. I was clear with our staff how I saw recruiting and how I saw it geographically when we got here and it starts in this state. This year was a success for sure, came really close to being even more successful. We were really in some good battles for all of them.

“I think it matters. It still matters that you represent your home state at a school that you dreamed of coming to. That's what we're going to try and continue to push and make the foundation here from inside our state outwards.”

Auburn’s in-state haul this year included No. 2 running back Alvin Henderson, No. 3 safety Anquon Fegans, No. 7 safety Eric Winters, No. 8 wide receiver Derick Smith, No. 9 defensive tackle Malik Autry and No. 10 edge Jared Smith.

The Tigers also signed No. 13 linebacker Jakaleb Faulk, No. 15 defensive tackle Antonio Coleman and No. 33 defensive tackle Jourdin Crawford, along with wide receiver Erick Smith and punter John McGuire, who weren’t included in the top 45.

Fegans, Smith and McGuire helped Thompson win the Class 7A state championship just hours after signing with Auburn. Of the remaining top 10 in-state prospects, one of each chose Oregon, Texas, Clemson and Ohio State.

Freeze started the emphasis on in-state recruiting with his first full class last season signing four of the top 10 and 10 of the top 25 in the 2024 class. Alabama signed five of top 10 and six of the top 25.

The Tigers have a chance to put together another very strong in-state class in 2026. Of the current top 12, three are committed to Auburn, one to Alabama with the other eight currently undecided.

“It’s a priority that we win our battles in state, or at least our fair share of them,” said Freeze. “I’m not naïve. I know that you’re not going to win every single one of them.

“We have a lot of great high school programs here, a lot of great high school coaches. And we have great relationships with them.”