Hugh Freeze's Auburn lands commitment from IOL target Jacobe Ward over LSU & Tennessee: Reports

Three-star interior offensive lineman Jacobe Ward committed to Auburn's 2025 recruitment class on Saturday. He announced his decision in Savannah at the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, becoming the Tigers' No. 11 commitment in the class.

After narrowing his choices to Tennessee, LSU and Auburn, Ward felt a connection with Hugh Freeze's Tigers after his initial visit in March.

"Honestly I knew the first time I stepped foot in Auburn," Ward told 247 Sports. "It just felt like home. Which I didn't want to miss out on any of my other official visits because I just wanted to still experience it. But as soon as I walked in Auburn, it felt like home."

Offensive line coach Jake Thornton played a big role in Ward's recruitment by envisioning the prospect's potential as a starter from day one. He also highlighted how Ward would seamlessly integrate into Auburn's offensive strategy.

"That was the biggest part of my recruitment. Just trying to find a place where I fit in at. Coach Thornton broke it down for me in every single aspect where I fit in at on the team," Ward added.

Ward now becomes the fifth offensive line recruit in Auburn's 2025 class, joining four-star prospects Tavaris Dice and Broderick Shull along with three-star recruits Tai Buster and Spencer Dowland. With Ward's addition, the Tigers' recruiting class rose to No. 13 nationally in Rivals' rankings.

Other members of the Auburn 2025 recruiting class include running back Alvin Henderson, defensive linemen Malik Autry and Jourdin Crawford, tight ends Ryan Ghea and Hollis Davidson, linebacker Jakaleb Faulk, and defensive backs Devin Williams, Dante Core, Bryce Deas and Eric Winters.

Jacobe Ward is ready to lead Auburn's recruiting charge

As part of his commitment to Auburn, Ward has turned his attention to his recruiting efforts—with his primary target being Herbert "Third" Scroggins.

"I'm most definitely recruiting some guys," Ward told 247 Sports. "I'm still trying to get Third back with us currently. I'm still trying to get Third back, he's my main target since he's my dog. I'm trying to get him back for sure."

This recruiting responsibility is more than a mere duty for him, as it is more of a personal mission to uphold Auburn's soaring expectations within the SEC.

“I can definitely see coach Freeze getting Auburn back to the top of the SEC,” Ward told On3. “Since he’s gotten to Auburn, they’ve been steadily progressing. But this year, Auburn is going to be a top team in the SEC.”

Ward is currently ranked by 247Sports as the No. 72 interior offensive lineman and No. 89 player from Georgia. Meanwhile, he is listed as the No. 47 interior offensive lineman and No. 69 player from Georgia by On3.

He contributed to Benedictine's Georgia AAAA state title as a starting right tackle in 2022, earning All-Region honors along the way while also shining in track and field.