Five-star recruit Jared Smith reaffirms his commitment to Hugh Freeze's Auburn despite second straight loss

Five-star edge rusher Jared Smith, from Thompson High School in Hoover, Alabama, remains the highest-rated prospect in Auburn's 2025 class since August. Smith, who chose Auburn over formidable programs like Ole Miss, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina and USC, returned to the campus for an official visit over the weekend.

Unfortunately, Smith witnessed the Tigers fall to the Oklahoma Sooners, 27-21. It marked the school's third loss and dropped its overall record to 2-3, with an 0-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference. When asked by Auburn Rivals if Auburn’s shaky record would affect his recruitment, Smith confidently replied:

"No, not at all. I see what the defense is capable of."

Instead, Smith has ambitious plans once he steps on Auburn’s campus.

“I see myself coming here in December, learning the playbook and being a freshman All-American," Smith said.

While Auburn's offense only managed 21 points against Oklahoma, the game showed signs of life. Unlike previous defeats to California (21-14) and Arkansas (24-14), the Tigers moved the ball well and made smart decisions on deep throws. However, they faltered late, allowing Oklahoma to snatch the victory.

"We’re just missing one piece and everybody sees it, I see it," Jared Smith said. "We’re just missing that one little piece that will change everything."

The Tigers will begin their road journey with a challenging matchup against Georgia this Saturday.

Jared Smith opens up on what sets Auburn apart from others

Jared Smith’s affinity for Auburn began with one of the most iconic moments in college football history: the Kick Six during the 2013 Iron Bowl.

Growing up surrounded by Alabama fans who were confident their team would win, Smith stood firm in his support for Auburn. When Auburn’s Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown, the moment increased Smith’s loyalty to the Tigers.

Now a member of Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class, Smith is committed to the Tigers for more than just football.

“It’s the people,” Smith told AL. “Just the people inside make it special. Just the culture they’re bringing down there. The atmosphere, the players and the class alone."

Auburn's 2025 class ranks No. 5 in the nation and No. 4 in the Southeastern Conference (On3). The class is filled with talent, including four-star prospects Derick Smith, Nate Marshall, Anquon Fegans, Eric Winters and Malik Autry.

But Jared Smith isn’t satisfied with just his own commitment. He has been working to sway five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord and four-star edge rusher Zion Grady from Alabama. His latest target is four-star quarterback Deuce Knight, who visited Auburn this weekend and can potentially flip his commitment from Notre Dame.