“Payday must’ve been big”: CFB fans left shocked as 4-star Alabama commit flips to Hugh Freeze’s Auburn

In a dramatic twist, four-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman has flipped his commitment again, returning to Hugh Freeze and Auburn's 2025 recruiting class. Initially committed to Alabama, the 6-foot-2, 285-pound blue-chipper had previously switched his pledge to Auburn, then back to Alabama, and now, he's rejoined the Tigers.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Coleman ranks as the No. 153 player in the Class of 2025. On3 Industry Ranking lists him as the No. 130 overall prospect and the No. 12 defensive lineman, underscoring his talent. Coleman's recruitment saga has captivated college football fans, with one fan commenting:

"Payday must’ve been big."

"Apple pay must have malfunctioned," quipped another.

"The back and fourth with Coleman was going to get old .. glad he went ahead and did it.. let’s go find someone that will be all the way Bama," a fan remarked.

Others took to X to share their thoughts:

"Good luck to the young man. Hope he gets what he’s looking for," a fan said.

Coleman earlier expressed his admiration for Auburn's head coach Hugh Freeze, saying in June (via Rivals.com):

“Coach Hugh Freeze told me he’s not giving up even when I did commit back to Alabama. That’s what I like about him. He’s determined, and that’s the type of people I would like to be around, but I’m still going through my recruitment.”

Coleman, who plays for Saraland High School, recorded 62 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, and four sacks during his junior season in 2023, leading the Spartans to a 14-1 record.

During Auburn's Big Cat Weekend in July, Coleman and other top prospects like 2025 cornerback Blake Woodby committed to the Tigers. Coleman highlighted the positive atmosphere and opportunities at Auburn (via On3):

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

With Coleman's addition, Auburn’s 2025 class now boasts 18 commitments and is ranked 12th nationally by 247Sports.

Auburn Tigers’ recruiting surge continues under Hugh Freeze

Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers have been making waves in recruiting. Their success is evident as they continue to secure top talent for the 2025 cycle. Auburn celebrated flipping four-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman from Alabama for the second time.

Notable commitments include Baltimore St. Frances four-star cornerback Blake Woodby, Huntsville Jemison four-star EDGE Hezekiah Harris, Mobile Cottage Hill Christian four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle, and Gulf Shores four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett.

June was particularly fruitful for Hugh Freeze, highlighted by the commitment of Enterprise four-star safety Eric Winters, ranked No. 64 overall and No. 7 among safeties in the 2025 cycle by the On3 Industry Ranking. Adding to the momentum, three-star tight end Hollis Davidson committed on July 4th, followed by three-star interior offensive lineman Jacobe Ward on July 6.