What's Next for Auburn Recruiting? Top 2027 Targets Still on the Board

What's Next for the Auburn Tigers on the recruiting trail?

The 2027 class is nothing short of impressive. It currently sits at 25 commits, and major wins against other conference schools have led these players to choose The Plains as their next destination. Alex Golesh and his staff have easily exceeded expectations this offseason in what is seen as his first full recruiting class as the head coach of the Tigers. 

And it could possibly get even better.

There are still multiple names that could commit to the Tigers, but it's not a lock.

Defensive lineman Karlos May remains one of Auburn's top recruiting targets, but the Tigers no longer appear to hold the momentum they once had. Auburn was viewed as the team to beat for much of the spring, but Georgia has since regained the edge, while Ohio State has generated significant buzz following May's official visit.

Before the big surge from Golesh beginning in late May, picturing a class without May might have seemed devastating, however that is no longer the case. Although it would certainly be a win if he were to choose Auburn, DJ Durkin and Vontrell King-Williams have built a strong defensive front inside this class with players such as Donivan Moore, Nate Kamba, James Pace, Rion Jackson, and most recently Marquis' MJ' Evans.

Adding May, who is considered a high 4-star defender and the 5th best player in Alabama, would certainly add more value to the class. He could also join Evans, another Birmingham player on the roster.

May is certainly using NIL opportunities as a major role for his final decision. He initially named Georgia as his leader, later suggested the race was even following his official visit to Auburn, then shortly afterward reiterated that the Bulldogs were back on top. With Ohio State also firmly in the mix, this recruitment remains highly fluid heading into his July 18 commitment date. The Tigers will have to work hard over the next few weeks if they intend to land him inside the class.

Another name to keep an eye on is St. Frances Academy (Maryland) safety James Branch. A very talented defensive back is expected to announce his commitment in the coming weeks, with Auburn and Maryland emerging as the two programs to watch. Virginia Tech has also been mentioned as a possible landing spot.

Branch is an interesting prospect. Considered the 17th best player in Maryland has the potential to be recruited as a two-way player. What is more likely, however, is that he commits as a safety, as he has worked on that transition from Wide Receiver this past summer. 

The two programs competing with Auburn are on two completely different sides of the fence when it comes to how they view their current coach. Like Auburn, Virginia Tech has a new head coach, as James Franklin looks to revive the program in Blacksburg after being fired by Penn State midseason. If the recruiting battle comes down to the ceiling potential of the programs within the next 4 years, the Hokies are easily the biggest competition. 

Maryland, on the other hand, was close to moving on from head coach Mike Locksley last season; in fact, there were reports that he had already been fired, but the Terps decided to go back to him at the last second. Instead, he will coach his 8th season in Maryland, but any player that commits there should immediately be placed on "flip watch" due to the looming hot seat on their entire coaching staff.

Branch recently told reporters during his official visit to Virginia Tech that he intends to announce his decision "the first week of July." So keep an eye out for those Alex Golesh bat signals. 

Regardless, if nothing else is added to this 2027 class and they can keep the wolves away until official signing day this December, Auburn football seems to be in good hands and is on the right path to being seen as a successful program from a national perspective.