In a shocking turn of events that sent ripples through the college football recruiting world, the nation’s top-ranked 4-star wide receiver out of American Heritage High School, Elijah “EJ” Thompson, has flipped his commitment from the University of Florida to Auburn University. The announcement came via a surprise livestream on social media, leaving Gator Nation stunned and igniting a wildfire of excitement among Auburn Tigers fans and coaches alike.
The flip not only marks a massive recruiting win for Hugh Freeze and his staff, but it also reaffirms the revitalized direction of the Auburn football program as it competes with the SEC’s elite on and off the field.
Who is Elijah “EJ” Thompson?
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 190 pounds, EJ Thompson has long been considered one of the premier wide receiver talents in the 2025 class. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Thompson has starred at powerhouse American Heritage, where he tormented opposing secondaries with his rare combination of elite speed, precise route-running, and an uncanny ability to win contested catches.
According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Thompson is listed as the No. 1 wide receiver in the state of Florida, the No. 5 WR nationally, and the No. 38 overall player in the country. A long-time Florida Gators commit, Thompson originally pledged to Billy Napier and company nearly a year ago, citing proximity to home, relationships with the staff, and the program’s vision for him in their offense.
However, recruiting never sleeps. Auburn, among other top SEC programs, never let up in its pursuit. And when it came time to make a final decision, Thompson made the bold choice to bet on the Tigers.
The Announcement
With rumors swirling throughout the past week of a possible shift in Thompson’s recruitment, all eyes were glued to his Instagram Live on Monday night. Sitting between his parents, flanked by teammates and coaches, Thompson addressed the speculation head-on.
“I want to thank Coach Napier and the entire Florida staff for believing in me,” Thompson began. “They’ve been great to me and my family. But after a lot of prayer, conversations, and thinking about what’s best for my future, I’ve decided I’ll be decommitting from Florida and committing to Auburn University. War Eagle!”
The moment was met with cheers from those in attendance and stunned reactions across the country. Within minutes, social media platforms exploded with reactions from fans, media, and fellow recruits.
Hugh Freeze Wins Again
This flip is the latest in a string of impressive recruiting victories for Hugh Freeze, who has made a point of strengthening Auburn’s offensive talent pipeline since taking the reins. With Auburn’s wide receiver room needing an influx of elite skill and speed, Thompson’s addition could prove transformative.
Freeze, who already made waves by landing 5-star QB Walker White and several top offensive linemen in previous classes, has now secured his highest-rated WR since taking the Auburn job. His persistence and the efforts of wide receivers coach Marcus Davis reportedly played a massive role in flipping Thompson.
“Coach Freeze and Coach Davis were real with me from the beginning,” Thompson said after his announcement. “They showed me how I fit into their system, and I believe in what they’re building. They made me feel like a priority, not just another recruit.”
The Tigers’ staff made a concentrated push during Thompson’s unofficial visit to the Plains last month, rolling out the red carpet and bringing him into player meetings, film sessions, and even a one-on-one sit-down with Coach Freeze.
The Fit at Auburn
Elijah Thompson’s skill set is tailor-made for Auburn’s evolving offensive scheme under Freeze. With his deep-threat capabilities and crisp separation skills, he could step in and contribute as early as his freshman season, especially given Auburn’s recent struggles at the wide receiver position.
In 2024, Auburn’s offense showed flashes of promise but lacked consistent downfield threats. Thompson’s arrival could provide a game-changer, someone who can stretch defenses vertically and open up opportunities underneath for tight ends and slot receivers.
“I want to go somewhere I can make plays and help turn a program around,” Thompson said. “Auburn feels like home. It’s not just about football—Coach Freeze wants us to be great men, too.”
Additionally, Thompson’s commitment could help attract other top offensive talent in the 2025 class. There’s already buzz that several other recruits, including 4-star RB Damien Reed and 4-star OL Cameron Watts, are now eyeing Auburn more seriously after Thompson’s decision.
Florida Left Reeling
For Billy Napier and the Gators, this flip stings—both optically and on the recruiting board. Florida had marketed Thompson as one of the crown jewels of its 2025 class, a local star destined to help restore the Gators to national prominence. Losing a top in-state receiver to a rival SEC school, especially after holding his commitment for nearly a year, will raise questions about the program’s momentum.
Florida still boasts a respectable 2025 class, but losing Thompson drops them from 4th to 7th in the 247Sports composite team rankings. More importantly, it may signal that the Gators’ grip on elite in-state talent is weakening.
While Napier has proven to be a strong recruiter in his own right, this kind of loss—paired with back-to-back underwhelming seasons—adds more pressure to win big in 2025.
Reactions Pour In
Thompson’s decision immediately drew attention across the college football landscape.
Bo Jackson, Auburn legend: “Big-time commitment. This kid is going to be special on the Plains. War Eagle.”
Cole Cubelic, SEC Network: “Massive flip for Auburn. EJ Thompson is the kind of WR that can change the complexion of an offense. Hugh Freeze continues to stack wins.”
Rivals National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney: “This is one of the biggest flips of the cycle. A top-40 talent. Florida kept him in the boat for a long time, but Auburn never stopped pushing. Big-time win for Coach Freeze.”
What’s Next for Auburn?
With Thompson now in the fold, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class leaps to No. 5 nationally and No. 2 in the SEC, trailing only Georgia. The Tigers are clearly gaining momentum not only in perception but on the field of play, as Freeze enters his third season with a more complete roster and rising expectations.
The Tigers are also still in contention for multiple blue-chip players, including 5-star LB Trent Marshall and 4-star CB KJ Hill. Thompson’s commitment could serve as a catalyst for Auburn’s best recruiting class in over a decade.
In the meantime, Thompson plans to enroll early in January 2025, giving him a chance to go through spring practice and begin building chemistry with Auburn’s quarterbacks. And with Walker White set to be under center for years to come, Thompson may have the ideal situation to develop into an All-SEC receiver.
Final Thoughts
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and few moments capture the volatility, emotion, and drama of the process quite like a high-profile flip. Elijah Thompson’s decommitment from Florida and sudden pledge to Auburn is a defining moment in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
For Auburn fans, it’s a sign that the program’s rise is real. For Florida, it’s a gut-check reminder of how competitive and relentless the SEC recruiting wars can be.
One thing is certain—when Thompson suits up at Jordan-Hare Stadium in orange and blue, all eyes will be on him. And if his high school career is any indication, the Tigers just got themselves a future star.