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“Offensive Lineman Recruit Visits Auburn for Second Consecutive Weekend”
Offensive Lineman Recruit Visits Auburn for Second Consecutive Weekend
Auburn, AL – Recruiting season is heating up on the Plains, and one name is quickly becoming a recurring guest on Auburn’s campus: four-star offensive lineman Jeremiah “J.J.” Benson. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound mauler from Buford, Georgia, made headlines this weekend after making his second consecutive unofficial visit to Auburn University—a strong signal that Hugh Freeze and offensive line coach Jake Thornton are making serious waves on the recruiting trail.
Benson, a top-100 player nationally according to the latest 247Sports Composite rankings, is being courted by some of the biggest programs in the country, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Clemson. But Auburn seems to be gaining momentum, and his return to campus within a seven-day span is raising eyebrows across the SEC.
For many recruits, one visit to a school is enough to get a feel for the coaching staff, campus culture, and football facilities. A second trip—especially so soon after the first—is usually reserved for schools that have left a strong impression.
Sources close to Benson’s recruitment confirm that he’s built a fast bond with Auburn’s coaching staff, particularly with Coach Thornton, who has been instrumental in developing Auburn’s future offensive line pipeline. According to insiders, the two spent considerable time together during both visits, going over film, techniques, and the Tigers’ vision for the future of their offensive front.
“He loves the way Coach Thornton teaches,” said Benson’s high school head coach. “It’s not just about blocking the man in front of you. It’s about understanding schemes, protections, and being a complete offensive lineman. Auburn is giving him that education early.”
Benson was accompanied by his family during both visits, and the group reportedly left impressed not only by the football side of things but also by Auburn’s academic resources and the family environment the program fosters.
For years, the offensive line has been a point of concern for Auburn. Under Freeze and Thornton, however, there’s been a noticeable shift in recruiting strategy and player development. The Tigers are investing heavily in the trenches, landing several blue-chip linemen in recent cycles, including 2024 signee DeAndre Carter and transfer portal addition Shane DeWitt from Oregon.
Landing a talent like Benson would not only elevate the current trajectory of Auburn’s offensive line unit but could also become a cornerstone piece in the Tigers’ 2025 class.
“There’s a different energy around Auburn right now,” Benson told reporters after his visit. “You can tell something big is coming, and I want to be a part of that conversation.”
Benson’s visits included in-depth tours of the new $91.9 million football performance center, which features a state-of-the-art weight room, recovery pools, locker rooms, and film rooms—elements that clearly impressed the highly sought-after lineman.
While Auburn is making its push, it’s far from a one-horse race. Georgia and Alabama are in heavy pursuit, and both programs have championship pedigrees that resonate with top recruits. Benson has scheduled official visits to Athens and Tuscaloosa in June and has also indicated a strong interest in checking out Florida State and Michigan.
Still, Auburn has the advantage of proximity and momentum. Benson lives just under two hours from campus, and multiple sources say the family connection to Auburn is growing stronger by the week.
“I wouldn’t say Auburn’s the leader just yet,” a recruiting analyst from On3 stated. “But they’re right there in that top tier. Back-to-back visits? That says a lot.”
What Hugh Freeze has done in just over a year at Auburn cannot be overstated. After inheriting a roster depleted by attrition and subpar recruiting, Freeze and his staff have elevated the program’s profile through tireless recruiting and a clear message: Auburn is coming.
Freeze’s direct involvement in Benson’s recruitment speaks volumes about how seriously the staff views him as a priority target. During both visits, Freeze reportedly spent significant one-on-one time with Benson, discussing his vision for the team and where the big man fits in.
“He told me I could come in and compete early,” Benson said. “That’s big. I’m not looking to sit for three years. I want to get better and contribute.”
Auburn has made offensive line play a focal point in Freeze’s culture overhaul, and Benson appears to be a central figure in that process moving forward.
Benson is expected to take his time with his decision, likely committing in late summer or early fall. He wants to take all five of his official visits and make sure the fit is right not only for football but also academically and socially.
However, Auburn’s position cannot be ignored. Back-to-back visits, strong relationships with staff, and the promise of early playing time all work in Auburn’s favor. Benson is also believed to be a fan of the Tigers’ physical brand of football, which Freeze is working to re-establish on the Plains.
The timing of the visits is also telling. Benson’s second visit came during a quiet recruiting weekend—not a spring game or big recruiting showcase—which means Auburn made the weekend all about him. That kind of attention sticks with top recruits.
Coach Jake Thornton hasn’t spoken publicly about Benson due to NCAA rules, but it’s clear the staff is pushing hard for his commitment. Thornton has been described as “relentless” in building relationships with offensive line prospects and is seen as one of the rising names in the profession.
“He’s got that rare mix of football IQ and ability to relate to young men,” said a recruiting coordinator from a rival SEC school. “Kids want to play for him.”
It’s no surprise then that Auburn is starting to see more traction with top-tier offensive line recruits, something that was missing in the latter years of the Gus Malzahn era and the entirety of Bryan Harsin’s tenure.
- Height/Weight: 6’5”, 310 lbs
- High School: Buford High School (GA)
- Ranking: No. 4 interior offensive lineman, No. 87 overall nationally (247Sports Composite)
- Strengths: Powerful base, quick feet, excellent hand placement, finishes blocks with tenacity
- Development Areas: Pad level consistency, lateral quickness in pass pro
- Player Comparison: Wyatt Teller (Cleveland Browns)
Benson is the kind of player who could develop into a multi-year starter and eventually play on Sundays. With the right coaching and conditioning, he has All-SEC potential written all over him.
The Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class is beginning to come into focus. With quarterback Alex Atkins already committed, Auburn is looking to surround him with top-tier talent—starting in the trenches.
Adding Benson would give Auburn its first major blue-chip offensive line commitment of the cycle and send a strong message that the Tigers are ready to compete with the SEC’s elite in the talent acquisition department.
Freeze has made it clear he wants to build Auburn from the inside out, and that begins with dominant offensive line play. Benson could be the anchor Auburn needs to make that vision a reality.
Back-to-back visits don’t happen by accident. For Jeremiah Benson to make the trip to Auburn two weekends in a row—despite heavy interest from powerhouse programs—says everything you need to know about where the Tigers stand in this recruitment.
With strong relationships, a clear path to playing time, and a rapidly rising program, Auburn is positioned as a real contender for Benson’s commitment. If the Tigers can maintain momentum and continue impressing the standout lineman and his family, they may just be on the verge of landing a foundational piece for years to come.
As Benson’s recruitment heats up, one thing is certain: Auburn is firmly in the race—and they’re not slowing down.
Let me know if you want to add quotes from staff, social media reactions, or stats from his high school games!