CFB insider predicts top 2 spot for Hugh Freeze’s Auburn owing to commitment from 4-star DL Nate Marshall

Hugh Freeze's Auburn football program is experiencing a surge in momentum with the recent commitment of four-star defensive lineman Nate Marshall. Earlier today, Marshall made the decision to flip his commitment from Michigan to Auburn.

This key addition is anticipated to significantly strengthen the Tigers' recruiting class and enhance the team's position in the SEC. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 265 pounds, Marshall hails from Oak Park, Illinois, and is ranked as the No. 5 defensive lineman according to the On3 Industry rankings.

CFB insider Kyle Rush appeared on "The Barn" podcast and made a bold prediction, suggesting that Auburn could secure a top 2 spot in recruiting rankings, largely due to Nate Marshall's commitment. Rush stated:

“Earlier this month, I predicted that by the end of August, Auburn would achieve their highest-rated class in the modern recruiting era. And by that, I mean not just where they end up in the rankings.”

He clarified that rankings are determined by points, and each recruiting site has its own scoring system. Rush emphasized:

"So from a point standpoint, okay, from a just a recruiting point standpoint, when this kid flips, when Nate Marshall is added to the class, at least on 247, Auburn will have its highest rated recruiting class ever."

Rush further highlighted that Auburn's recruiting momentum is far from over.

“There’s still three, four months before signing day, and Auburn might not be done with commitments in August. So it's gonna get even higher and sort of the sky's the limit at this point in time."

With Nate Marshall's commitment, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class remains ranked No. 5 nationally, per 247Sports. Marshall is now Auburn’s third highest-rated commit. Rush noted:

"He's borderline five-star. So he's the number one defensive lineman on rivals, on the rival side. So now it's like, man, there the pathway to the pathway to the top two is becoming even more and more real."

Auburn's defensive line gains strength with Nate Marshall’s commitment

Auburn’s defensive tackles coach, Vontrell King-Williams, played a crucial role in securing the commitment of Nate Marshall. Auburn’s holistic approach to player development also gave the Tigers a significant edge. Marshall, who had been verbally committed to Michigan since April, was drawn to Auburn's pledge to develop players beyond the field.

“Their commitment to players as a whole!” Marshall noted, adding, “They want to pour into players’ entirety, not just as athletes, and I think with that mindset it’ll carry over to on-the-field success.”

Despite his earlier promise to Michigan, Marshall remained open to Auburn, and visited the campus multiple times. He attended the spring game in April 2023, and conducted a recruitment visit in June.

Nate Marshall's addition boosts Auburn’s 2025 class, which On3 previously placed at No. 6 in the national rankings. He is the 23rd commit in this cycle, and joins other top defensive talents like Jared Smith and Malik Autry. Auburn remains a key player in the 2025 recruiting race, with eyes on additional high-profile recruits.