Hugh Freeze's Auburn successfully flips four-star DL Antonio Coleman from Alabama

Four-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman has flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn for the 2025 class. His decision came after a visit to Auburn for Big Cat Weekend, which played a crucial role in Auburn's recruiting successes.

Upon his arrival in Auburn on Friday, Coleman kept his thoughts on Auburn's chances of flipping him under wraps. However, it took less than a day for Coleman to switch his allegiance from the Crimson Tide to the Tigers.

“What stuck out at Auburn is the coaches, the atmosphere and the opportunity I will have to play there,” Coleman said via On3.

During his official visit to Auburn in June, Coleman spent time with defensive tackle coach Vontrell King-Williams. The bond between the two played a huge role in Coleman's decision.

“He’s a great coach. He’s going to shoot it to you straight. If you have something going on that he feel like you can do to get better, he’s going to work his tail off to make sure you get to that level,” he added.

Big Cat Weekend turned out to be a fruitful event for Auburn beyond securing Coleman. The Tigers also received commitments from cornerback Blake Woodby, edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, linebacker Shadarius Toodle and linebacker JaMichael Garrett.

Coleman is the No. 168 overall player in the class of 2025, the No. 16 defensive lineman, and the No. 5 player in the state of Alabama, according to On3. 247 Sports places him as the No. 100 overall player in the class, the No. 14 defensive lineman, and the No. 10 player in the state of Alabama.

During his junior season in 2023, Coleman recorded 62 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Antonio Coleman's interesting flipping journey

Antonio Coleman has flipped between Alabama and Auburn plenty of times. He first announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide in September 2023, before proceeding to visit Auburn in October and then flipping his pledge to the Tigers in late December.

The prospect later de-committed from Auburn and went back to the Crimson Tide in March, after head coach Kalen DeBoer was hired. Now, he is again back on the orange and blue squad.

Coleman is the 18th commitment for Auburn in the 2025 class and the third defensive lineman, joining four-star recruits Jourdin Crawford and Malik Autry. According to 247Sports, Auburn’s class is currently ranked No. 12 in the nation.

Meanwhile, Coleman's second-time flip leaves Alabama with just one defensive lineman committed for the 2025 class, London Simmons.