"BRING TIKTOK BACK !!!" Four-star Auburn LB commit joins millions outraged over TikTok’s 14-hour shutdown

Four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, a top prospect in Auburn’s 2026 recruiting class, is preparing for a standout senior season at Auburn High School (Alabama). However, like many Americans, he was unhappy with the ban on TikTok.

Late Saturday night, TikTok stopped functioning for users in the U.S. ahead of a law banning the Chinese-owned app on national security grounds, which took effect Sunday. Garrett voiced his frustration on X, posting:

"BRING TIKTOK BACK !!!"

Millions of users woke up to find they could no longer access the app, following concerns from U.S. officials about the potential misuse of data by TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance. However, its services began to resume Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would restore access upon his return to power on Monday.

The shutdown lasted 14 hours before the platform was reinstated. Trump also revealed plans for a “joint venture,” with America owning 50% of TikTok. He said this arrangement would “make a lot of money,” though details remain unclear.

JaMichael Garrett shares Hugh Freeze's vision for Auburn's 2026 class

Auburn already has five blue-chip prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, as JaMichael Garrett is flanked by four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star wide receiver Devin Carter and four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle. After having a lackluster season in 2024, Hugh Freeze has high expectations for this group.

"Coach Freeze, when he talks to us, he just tells us to hold together, sit together," Garrett told Rivals. "Because in his eyes, the class of 2025 and the class of 2026 is the class that can turn Auburn football around. He just put all the emphasis on making us feel like a priority and making sure we’re great."

Garrett enjoyed a phenomenal junior season with 91 total tackles. Over the past two years, he has amassed 178 tackles, 11 sacks, 19 hurries and two interceptions. He is the No. 10 linebacker in the 2026 class and the No. 9 recruit in Alabama, according to On3.

For his senior year, JaMichael Garrett will transfer from Gulf Shores to Auburn High School, moving closer to Jordan-Hare Stadium and starting classes there this month.