Auburn zeroes in on four-star LB target with Hugh Freeze's recruiting visit

Four-star linebacker Jaquez Wilkes is a high priority for Hugh Freeze's Auburn in the 2026 class. The standout prospect from Wadley High School (Alabama) was visited by Freeze on Thursday.

"I would like to thank @CoachHughFreeze of @AuburnFootball for stopping by today," Wilkes posted on X.

Wilkes was in attendance during Auburn's 43-41 overtime win over Texas A&M on Nov. 23.

"It was a very good experience," Wilkes told Auburn Undercover. "I love the Auburn atmosphere."

Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is recruiting Wilkes at Auburn.

"They (Auburn) are just telling me to keep grinding and keep working and I'll be there," Wilkes said. "That will be where I need to be."

Wilkes excels as a linebacker and running back for Wadley. Last month, he rushed for 312 yards and five touchdowns to lead Wadley to a 37-7 victory over Maplesville in the Class 1A state championship game of the AHSAA Super 7. He also had 8.5 tackles (two for loss) and one interception, winning MVP honors.

Wilkes projects as a linebacker in his college career but has the skills to succeed in multiple positions. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, he is the No. 6 linebacker in the 2026 class and the No. 7 recruit in Alabama. Besides football, he also plays baseball and basketball for Wadley.

Auburn leads the race for Jaquez Wilkes' commitment

Auburn is the front-runner in Jaquez Wilkes' recruitment with a 53.2% chance, according to On3, followed by Georgia (16.5%) and Tennessee (14.2%). He also holds offers from Florida State, LSU, Penn State, Ole Miss, USC, Texas A&M, South Carolina and Oregon.

Auburn's 2026 class already has two linebacker commits: Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett, both are four-star prospects. The cycle has six committed players, ranking No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference and No. 3 in the nation.

Besides Toddle and Garrett, it features wide receiver Devin Carter, edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, wide receiver Denairius Gray and safety Wayne Henry.