Auburn Tigers Still In Contention For Four-Star Edge”:

Auburn Tigers Still In Contention For Four-Star Edge

The Auburn Tigers continue to make noise on the recruiting trail, and the pursuit of elite defensive talent is no exception. With momentum rising under head coach Hugh Freeze, the Tigers are still firmly in the race for four-star edge rusher Malik Autry, a dynamic prospect from Opelika, Alabama. As the Tigers continue to solidify their 2025 class, Autry represents both a top-tier talent and a potential culture-defining addition to Auburn’s rapidly developing defense.

Autry, rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals, has become one of the most sought-after edge rushers in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing approximately 265 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size, explosiveness, and versatility to the edge position. His ability to get off the line quickly and disrupt plays in the backfield makes him a prized commodity for SEC programs looking to bolster their defensive fronts.

As of now, Autry’s recruitment is still open, but sources close to the situation indicate that Auburn is one of the final programs seriously in the mix. The Tigers are battling SEC foes Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, as well as national powers like Ohio State and USC. However, Auburn has two things working in its favor: proximity and a growing defensive identity.

One of the biggest reasons Auburn remains a strong contender is Autry’s deep roots in the state of Alabama. Born and raised in Opelika, Autry grew up just minutes from Jordan-Hare Stadium. His connection to the community and his familiarity with the Auburn program cannot be overstated. Sources within the Auburn staff have emphasized that Autry has long-standing relationships with multiple coaches, including defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and edge position coach Josh Aldridge.

Autry has visited The Plains multiple times, both unofficially and officially, and by all accounts, the program has made a strong impression. The Tigers have positioned themselves as more than just the local option—they are selling a vision of player development, immediate impact potential, and a team-first culture that aligns with Autry’s values.

“Coach Freeze has really changed the vibe around Auburn,” Autry told reporters after a spring visit. “They’re building something special, and I feel like they’re going to be winning big really soon. I want to be part of a team where I can make a difference right away.”

The Tigers are emphasizing Autry’s importance in their defensive blueprint. Under Roberts, Auburn’s defense thrives on pressure and disruption. Edge rushers are asked to not only pressure the quarterback but also hold contain, crash on run plays, and drop into coverage when needed.

Autry fits that mold perfectly. His tape reveals a high-motor defender who doesn’t take plays off. He routinely overwhelms offensive tackles with a lethal first step, uses his length to disengage from blocks, and has shown improvement in his ability to read plays and make adjustments in real-time.

In short, he’s the type of athlete Auburn can build around. The staff has made it clear to Autry that he would not only compete for playing time early but could eventually become a face of the defense.

“We told Malik, if he comes here, he’s not just another guy in the room,” said a source close to the Auburn recruiting department. “He’d be one of the foundational pieces. We’d tailor our front to maximize his strengths and allow him to get after the quarterback every Saturday.”

Much has been made about the positive shift in Auburn’s recruiting under Hugh Freeze. Since taking over the program, Freeze has revitalized the Tigers’ approach to talent acquisition—especially in the trenches. Auburn’s recruiting rankings have steadily improved, and key wins on the trail—such as flipping five-star defensive lineman Malik Blocton in 2024—have established Freeze as a credible force in SEC recruiting battles.

Autry is exactly the kind of player Freeze has prioritized: athletic, versatile, and with a team-first mindset. Freeze has been personally involved in the recruitment, making sure the staff’s message is unified and consistent.

“You can tell Coach Freeze is passionate,” Autry said. “He’s not just trying to sell something—he really believes in it. He thinks I could help lead a turnaround.”

That message is resonating not just with Autry, but with others in Auburn’s 2025 target class. Several prospects in the class, including four-star linebacker Jacoby Marshall and defensive back Zion Ferguson, have made it clear that they are actively recruiting Autry to join them. This peer pressure from within the class could help tip the scales in Auburn’s favor.

Despite Auburn’s strong positioning, this is far from a done deal. Alabama and Georgia are both making hard pushes, and both programs offer something Auburn cannot: recent national championships and well-established defensive identities.

Georgia’s pitch to Autry has focused on its NFL pipeline, while Alabama has emphasized its new defensive scheme under Kalen DeBoer, highlighting a hybrid-edge role similar to what Will Anderson Jr. thrived in. Meanwhile, LSU has offered the allure of Baton Rouge and a chance to contribute in a defense known for producing NFL talent.

But Auburn’s rebuttal has centered on legacy and opportunity. While other schools may offer more prestige, Auburn offers something uniquely powerful: a chance to build something special in your own backyard.

That emotional pitch, combined with Auburn’s revamped facilities and growing NIL infrastructure, has kept the Tigers in the fight.

Autry has not set an official commitment date but is expected to make his decision before the start of his senior season in the fall. He will take official visits to several programs this summer, with Auburn expected to get one of the final stops.

The Tigers plan to roll out the red carpet for that visit. According to sources, the Auburn coaching staff is planning a full-scale presentation that includes film study breakdowns, sit-downs with strength and conditioning staff, and a one-on-one meeting with Coach Freeze.

Additionally, Auburn’s fan base will play a role. The staff is counting on the Auburn family to show out and make a lasting impression—something they’ve done successfully in the past. The coaching staff has seen how a strong campus atmosphere can help push elite prospects toward The Plains.

As we enter the heart of the summer recruiting season, Auburn remains a legitimate contender for four-star edge rusher Malik Autry. With strong ties to the community, a clear path to early playing time, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, Auburn may just have the right mix of factors to win out.

The battle will be fierce. It’s a classic SEC recruiting showdown, with multiple blue bloods vying for a game-changing defender. But make no mistake—Auburn is not simply making up the numbers in this race. They are going all in.

If Freeze and company can land Autry, it will send a powerful message that Auburn isn’t just back on the map—they’re here to dominate it.

Auburn’s pursuit of Malik Autry embodies the new direction of the program under Hugh Freeze—bold, aggressive, and rooted in player development. As the Tigers aim to close strong in the 2025 class, Autry represents a massive domino that could set the tone for future recruiting cycles.

With all eyes on his upcoming visits and eventual decision, one thing is clear: Auburn is still in the hunt. And if they can land Autry, it won’t just be a recruiting win—it will be a statement of intent.