"I can't wait to be his center": 2026 recruit Kail Ellis reclassifies from 2026; says he is eager to join Deuce Knight at Hugh Freeze's Auburn

Four-star offensive lineman Kail Ellis has decided to reclassify from Auburn’s 2026 recruiting class to 2025, opting to skip his final year at Cass High School in Cartersville, Georgia. This decision positions Ellis, who originally committed to Auburn last November, for an earlier start with the Tigers.

“Auburn, myself and my family feel like it gives me the best opportunity to achieve what I’m trying to achieve,” Ellis told 247 Sports on Sunday. "God has blessed me with an incredible opportunity to play this game so why not come in early learn from the veteran guys and work my butt off to fight for a job?"

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 285 pounds, Ellis is the No. 291 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 23 interior offensive lineman and the No. 31 prospect from Georgia for the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite. However, moving to the 2025 class will earn him a new ranking.

Ellis decided after thorough discussions with Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and offensive line coach Jake Thornton.

“After talking it over with Coach Thornton and Coach Freeze, this is the right decision."

Kail Ellis is scheduled to take his official visit to Auburn for the Texas A&M game and sign his letter of intent on Dec 4. He will complete his high school studies in the spring before joining Auburn next summer.

Expressing confidence in Auburn's development program, Ellis said:

“What Coach (Hugh) Freeze, Coach (Jake) Thornton, and that staff has going on is so special and I wanted to be a part of it. I feel Auburn can develop me more than anyone, academically and as a football player.”

Kail Ellis is especially thrilled about the opportunity to play alongside top quarterback recruit Deuce Knight.

"On top of that with the current 2025 class of linemen and now with Deuce (Knight) coming I can't wait to be his center!"

Elite OL Kail Ellis joins Auburn’s star-studded 2025 class

Kail Ellis is now the 26th commitment in the Tigers' 2025 class which ranks third nationally according to the 247Sports team rankings. Ellis is looking forward to the opportunity to compete and start developing under coach Thornton.

“What Coach (Hugh) Freeze, Coach (Jake) Thornton, and that staff has going on is so special and I wanted to be a part of it,” Ellis said. “I feel Auburn can develop me more than anyone, academically and as a football player.”

Ellis has been recruited primarily as a center. He is joining a strong OL group that includes four-star offensive tackles Tavaris Dice and Broderick Shull, along with three-star linemen Jacobe Ward, Tai Buster and Spencer Dowland.

Kail Ellis has expressed enthusiasm about the chance to develop in Auburn’s system.

“Excited is an understatement,” Ellis said via On3 on Sunday. “I’m excited to be a part of the Auburn culture and being able to be developed early. Again, just what God has blessed me with and knowing I’m going to get to be part of this elite class of 2025 is special. This 2025 class is different!”

Auburn is actively pursuing five-star OT Andrew Babalola and three-star IOL Nelson McGuire to further strengthen Jake Thornton's unit.