"I'm looking forward to seeing what they do these next few years": 2026 4-star WR Devin Carter shares his optimism on Auburn's future

Five-star wide receiver Devin Carter from Douglas County High School in Georgia is one of the standout talents in the 2026 recruiting class. Carter opened up his recruitment after a stellar sophomore season, where he amassed 51 receptions for 923 yards and 13 touchdowns for Cedar Grove High School.

Carter's phenomenal performance caught the attention of multiple programs, leading to over 30 scholarship offers. Hugh Freeze's Auburn has become a prominent contender in his recruitment, especially due to the influence of wide receiver coach Marcus Davis on the recruit.

"Coach Davis, I believe what he's doing with those guys is something special and I'm looking forward to seeing what they do these next few years," Carter told 247 Sports.

Auburn has received six commitments in the 2026 class, which ranks No. 4 in the nation and No. 2 in the Southeastern Conference. The class has wide receiver Denairius Gray, who chose the Tigers over Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Texas A&M, among others.

Besides Gray, Auburn's 2026 Class also features four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, four-star interior offensive lineman Kail Ellis, four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle and three-star safety Wayne Henry.

Alabama leads the race for Devin Carter's commitment

Devin Carter told SportsCenter Next that Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, Florida, Louisville and Texas are the programs trying to recruit him. Alabama is leading the race for his commitment with a 23.6% chance, according to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

In an interview with Touchdown Alabama, Carter acknowledged the excitement of getting offered by the Crimson Tide, saying:

"They are at the top of college football, and I believe they are where everybody wants to be."

Carter's visit to Alabama on March 28 was notable, but his attendance at the Crimson Tide's dominant 42-16 victory over USF on September 7 again boosted his interest.

Alabama has four-star cornerback Dorian Barney committed to the 2026 class. The Crimson Tide also remains high on multiple wide receivers for the cycle, including Georgia natives Aaron Gregory and Ryan Mosley, as well as Cederian Morgan from Alabama and Mason James from Oklahoma.