“It was a tough decision” — 4-star EDGE Jared Smith offers insight on decision to commit to Hugh Freeze’s Auburn

EDGE Jared Smith considered schools like Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss, South Carolina and USC, but he chose to stay close to home and commit to Auburn. Auburn secured the four-star in-state defensive end's commitment during their Big Cat Weekend event on July 27. He is ranked No. 28 in the 2025 ESPN 300.

Smith, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound edge rusher from Alabaster, Alabama, is the Tigers' eighth commitment since the event, marking a significant streak in their 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes. His decision makes him the second-highest-ranked player in head coach Hugh Freeze's incoming class.

"I chose Auburn because I get to stay home, because of the culture, and I see the vision coach Hugh Freeze has. I see where the program is going, and I want to be a part of it," Smith told On3. "It was a tough decision, and I had six great options, but Auburn took over the No. 1 spot at the wire."

Although Auburn was not a prominent choice during his summer visits, he always had the Tigers high on his list.

"Staying in state with Auburn has always been a real option for me," Smith told On3. "Auburn has always been in the picture for me, but the closer I got to my senior year is really when I started thinking more about staying in my home state. This summer, I started feeling like I wanted to stay home, and now I am with Auburn."

Smith's experience at Auburn's Iron Bowl last season solidified his decision. He appreciated the demeanor and energy of the game.

"Playing in the Iron Bowl is going to be crazy," he said. "When I was at the game last year, I really started to think I could see myself at Auburn. Auburn has the best fans, the stadium is so loud, and staying home, I get to be a part of that game. That game is live, it has crazy energy and getting to play in that is big."

Jared Smith also praised Coach Freeze's vision for Auburn.

"Coach Freeze is bringing Auburn back. He is going to get the in-state kids to stay home, he is building a top recruiting class and I see his vision. He is taking Auburn to another level with the in-state kids. Coach Freeze is a natural-born leader and Auburn is coming back."

Jared Smith's commitment bolsters Tigers' top-ranked recruiting class

Jared Smith's commitment makes him the fifth addition in a week to Auburn's 14th-ranked recruiting class, according to ESPN. His decision follows the commitment of four-star cornerback Blake Woodby, ranked third in the 2025 class.

Auburn also flipped former Alabama commits Derick Smith and Antonio Coleman and secured four-star safety Anquon Fegans, Smith's teammate from Thompson High School.

With Jared Smith's announcement, Auburn now boasts 13 ESPN 300 commits for 2025. The Tigers' momentum extends to the 2026 class, with commitments from three prospects, including four-star defensive end Hezekiah Harris and linebackers JaMichael Garrett and Shadarius Toodle.

Jared Smith envisions a significant role at Auburn under the guidance of defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and defensive edge coach Josh Aldridge.

"They see me as a true pass rusher," Smith said. "First, second, and third down. I'm going to be that guy."

Auburn's recruiting success includes six top-100 commitments for 2025, with five on defense: Woodby, Smith, Fegans, safety Eric Winters and defensive tackle Jourdin Crawford.