The 5-star edge rusher from Thompson (Ala.), committed to Auburn after considering South Carolina, Alabama, Florida State, Ole Miss, USC, and Georgia. Smith is ranked highest by 247Sports, as the No. 19 player, No. 2 edge rusher, and No. 2 Alabama player. The 247Sports Composite ranks Smith as the No. 57 player, No. 5 edge, and No. 4 Alabama player.
Jared Smith is a Tiger thanks to a strong push from defensive ends coach Josh Aldridge and Hugh Freeze’s continued emphasis on capturing the Alabama state championship.
“Man, it’s just the people,” Smith explained to Auburn Undercover. “Just the people, culture, and environment. I want to be a member of the best recruiting class right now. That’s about it.
Smith is now Auburn’s highest-rated commit in the class, narrowly topping 5-star defensive tackle Malik Autry. He maintains the class’s subject of targeting the Yellowhammer State. According to the 247Sports rankings, Auburn now has commitments from eight of the top ten prospects in the state. The only two players in the top ten who have not committed to Auburn are Na’eem Offord and Zion Grady, who are both pledged to Ohio State.
He also maintains Auburn’s blazing hot recruiting run, securing 2025 commits from Smith, Anquon Fegans, and Blake Woodby while flipping Antonio Coleman and Derick Smith from Alabama in the same week. Auburn now has 22 commitments in the class, and it remains at No. 5 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings following Smith’s addition on Saturday.
While Auburn has been the frontrunner since a pair of unofficial trips in June, going last weekend and getting to know the players again didn’t hurt. Building from Alabama did not hurt either.
”Yes sir, just seeing the culture getting brought back in,” he responded. “Coach Freeze is revamping the program overnight. “I want to be a part of it.”
Smith, listed at 6-foot-6.5 and 235 pounds, was recruited as a buck linebacker and is the first commit in the 2025 cycle. However, Jakaleb Faulk has the versatility to play linebacker or buck linebacker at the next level. Smith is a rare pass-rusher who will fit into D.J. Durkin’s scheme next year.
“Oh yeah, definitely, Being one-of-one and different,” responded Smith. “Being that playmaker for Auburn.”
What’s his message to the fans?
“War Damn Eagle, we’re trying to get the best recruiting class in the country,” Smith told the crowd. “We’re trying to construct this class. “The best class in Auburn history.”
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