“I am committed, but still open too": Four-star Auburn commit updates recruitment status amid pressure from schools pushing for flip

Four-star wide receiver Denairius Gray has been committed to Auburn for over a year, but several schools are making strong pushes to flip his pledge.

In an interview with On3's Chad Simmons, Gray shared his current thoughts on his recruitment:

“I am committed, but still open too.”

Gray attends Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, where former Auburn running back Shaun Shivers is now an assistant coach. Shivers could therefore play a role in Gray's recruitment journey as well.

Programs like Clemson, NC State, Florida and Florida State are heavily recruiting Gray. He also received an offer from Georgia last week and plans to attend their junior day in Athens on Feb. 1.

During his junior season in 2024, Gray totaled 709 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. As a sophomore, he caught a touchdown in 10 of 11 games, finishing the season with 25 receptions for 372 yards and 11 scores.

Gray is the No. 32 wide receiver in the 2026 class, the No. 33 recruit in Florida and the No. 201 prospect in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Denairius Gray weighs Auburn's quarterback situation in recruitment decision

A key factor in Denairius Gray's recruitment is building strong relationships. Auburn has an advantage in this area, as Gray has developed a solid connection with wide receivers coach Marcus Davis, who shares his roots in Boynton.

Gray believes Hugh Freeze and his staff have Auburn trending in the right direction, but his commitment to the Tigers will ultimately depend on their performance next season.

"My big thing this next season is to see how things go at quarterback,” Gray told On3. “That is what I will be watching with Auburn, but my commitment is still good.”

Auburn is in a good position, having already secured five-star quarterback Deuce Knight for the 2025 class. Despite finishing the 2024 season with a 5-7 record, the Tigers' future looks bright with the addition of several blue-chip recruits.

On3 gives Auburn a 90.5% chance of retaining Gray's commitment to its 2026 class, which has five other committed players.