"All of us can play as freshmen": Five-star EDGE signee explains why Auburn was the clear choice over late push from two SEC schools

Five-star edge rusher Jared Smith committed to Auburn on Aug. 3 and signed with the Tigers on Dec. 3. However, his recruitment remained active until the final days leading to National Signing Day, as the Southeastern Conference rivals South Carolina and Ole Miss made late efforts to flip his commitment.

Speculation grew when some recruiting experts predicted Smith might eventually choose Ole Miss, but he stayed true to Auburn. In an interview with On3’s EJ Holland, Smith explained his decision:

"These guys, those guys right there, the reason. I think number five class in America, bro, why not?"

Auburn's 2025 class got a big boost by flipping five-star quarterback Deuce Knight from Notre Dame. The cycle also features mighty blue-chip prospects like defensive lineman Malik Autry, running back Alvin Henderson and safety Eric Winters. Smith expressed excitement about Auburn’s historic recruiting class and its potential for immediate impact.

"All of us can play as freshmen. That's the biggest thing. All of us can play, all of us can contribute to the team, and as a freshman, a freshman of all Americans, for all of us."

Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class has seen its share of challenges, including several decommitments linked to the team’s disappointing performance on the field. However, Smith’s decision to remain loyal means a lot for coach Hugh Freeze and his staff.

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Jared Smith opens up about his potential with Auburn

The 38th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game is set to show some of the top high school football talent in the country. The event would take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium, and would feature elite prospects from Alabama and Mississippi, including Jared Smith.

On3's EJ Holland reached the practice session and asked Smith about his excitement about his future at Auburn.

"I'm going to be on campus Jan. 8th, Smith said. I think I start classes and all that, Jan. 13th. I'm excited just seeing these guys, almost all these guys here committed to Auburn, signed with Auburn, so it's great to finally compete with them. That defensive line for the Alabama All -Star game is all Auburn. And you guys are wreaking havoc out here at practice."

Smith stood out in tracking down plays from the backside in the practice session and also expressed confidence in the defensive unit he will join at Auburn.

"We're creating a big change there. John Crawford's a beast, Lee Gosher's a beast, and Tonya Pullman's a beast the whole line's a beast."

Smith is the No. 2 edge rusher in the 2025 class, the No. 25 prospect in the nation and the No. 2 recruit in Alabama, according to 247 Sports. He is expected to make an immediate impact at Auburn. However, he and his Alabama All-Star teammates will look to secure bragging rights over Mississippi first.