As expected, Auburn football’s top recruiting event, Big Cat Weekend, is generating significant momentum for the Tigers. By lunchtime on Saturday, Auburn had already added three new recruits for their 2026 class, all from Alabama.
The first addition was 4-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris from Huntsville. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, Harris is ranked as the #4 edge rusher in the 2026 class and the #2 prospect from Alabama. The rising junior, who holds nearly 20 offers, opted for Auburn over other top programs like Georgia, Florida State, and Oregon.
Following that, 4-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle from Mobile, Alabama, joined the class. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Toodle is ranked as the #5 linebacker in the 2026 class and the #4 prospect from Alabama. Despite having over 30 offers from leading programs, Toodle felt a strong connection with Auburn after several visits to the campus this year. Now committed to the Tigers, he intends to begin recruiting other prospects to join him.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Shadarius Toodle has Committed to Auburn, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 220 LB from Mobile, AL chose the Tigers over Texas A&M & Ohio State
Ranked as a Top 5 LB in ‘26 (per On3)
“251 to 334 I’m staying home! War Eagle 🦅”https://t.co/XcZMcvPbPk pic.twitter.com/6EAE30zHFL
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 27, 2024
“I’m working to bring in Tank Jones, JMike, and all the top Alabama guys,” Toodle said, according to Auburn Undercover. “I’m staying home. War Eagle.”
“Tank” refers to Anthony Jones, the top edge rusher in the 2026 class and the #1 prospect from Alabama, who is also from Mobile like Toodle. “JMike” is JaMichael Garrett, the third 2026 commit Auburn has secured during Big Cat Weekend.
Garrett, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker from Gulf Shores, Alabama, is ranked as the #11 linebacker in the 2026 class and the #7 recruit from Alabama. He visited Auburn’s campus earlier this summer, developed strong relationships with the coaching staff, and was drawn to the family atmosphere there.
“I really like the coaches,” Garrett said, according to Auburn Live. “I spent a few days this summer working with Coach DJ Durkin and spending time around the campus. I get along well with Coach Durkin, Coach Crime, and Coach Josh Aldridge. They’ll help me reach my full potential.
“The sense of brotherhood at Auburn is unmatched. It reminds me of my high school team, where everyone is close. It just feels right when I’m there. Plus, the networking opportunities are excellent. Auburn is a great place to prepare for life after football.”
BREAKING: Four-Star LB JaMichael “JMike” Garrett (2026) has Committed to Auburn, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’2 200 LB from Gulf Shores, AL chose the Tigers over LSU & USC
“Prioritize the man above.”https://t.co/p5R9e0fldZ pic.twitter.com/TikZk4d9aH
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 27, 2024
Auburn football has seen significant success today with the addition of three 2026 recruits and Blake Woodby’s commitment to the 2025 class. However, the weekend isn’t over yet, and the Tigers may secure additional commitments.
Leave a Reply