Bleacher Report’s Early Top 25 Ranking for Auburn Commits
Quarterback: Deuce Knight – The Key to Auburn’s Offensive Future
Auburn’s success in securing five-star quarterback Deuce Knight is a pivotal moment for the program, especially after a successful recruitment process that saw him flip his commitment from Notre Dame. Knight, from George County High School, is an athletic dual-threat quarterback who has shown the ability to perform at a high level both as a passer and as a runner.
He stands at 6’4” and weighs 210 pounds, giving him a great physical build that allows him to make all the throws in a modern spread offense. His dual-threat nature adds an extra element of complexity to opposing defenses. Knight’s highlight reel features several big plays where he uses his legs to escape pressure and find open receivers down the field, but he also has an NFL-caliber arm, making deep throws with accuracy and power.
Having already completed his high school career with over 2,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, Knight’s ability to perform in pressure situations is evident. His senior season was especially impressive, given that he missed four games due to injury but still managed to produce at a high level.
Knight’s signing is huge for Auburn because it represents a new era for the quarterback position. As the Tigers move into a more dynamic offensive scheme under head coach Hugh Freeze, Knight could be the cornerstone player who brings Auburn’s offense to the forefront of the SEC. His ability to stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally will allow Auburn to balance their run and pass attacks, making the offense more unpredictable.
Defensive Line: Malik Autry and Darrion Smith – Building a Stout Front Seven
Another area where Auburn has done exceptionally well in this class is defensive line, with the commitments of five-star defensive end Malik Autry and four-star defensive tackle Darrion Smith.
Autry, a pass-rushing specialist, is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the country. His 6’5″, 260-pound frame allows him to overpower offensive linemen while also having the quickness to chase down quarterbacks in the pocket. Autry is particularly adept at bending around the edge and getting to the quarterback, a skill that is essential in today’s high-scoring college football games.
On the interior, Darrion Smith adds significant muscle and depth to Auburn’s defensive front. Standing at 6’3″ and 290 pounds, Smith is a disruptive force who can push the pocket and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and running backs. He has a low center of gravity, which allows him to engage with offensive linemen effectively and shed blocks to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Smith’s ability to control the line of scrimmage is crucial for Auburn’s defensive scheme, which focuses on stopping the run and applying consistent pressure to quarterbacks.
Both Autry and Smith bring something unique to Auburn’s defense. With their ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage, they provide much-needed help to the defensive line. These two players will likely be the foundation of Auburn’s defensive front for the next few years, setting the tone in games and demanding attention from offensive coordinators across the SEC.
Wide Receiver: Eric Singleton Jr. – A Dynamic Addition to the Passing Game
Another major acquisition for Auburn is wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who transferred to Auburn from Georgia Tech. Singleton, who had 104 receptions for 1,468 yards and nine touchdowns over his last two seasons at Georgia Tech, is a proven commodity in the passing game. His 6’1”, 190-pound frame allows him to be a physical presence on the outside while also possessing the speed to take the top off a defense.
Singleton’s ability to create separation from defenders and make plays after the catch will be invaluable for Auburn’s offense. He has the route-running savvy to be a consistent target, and his skill set fits perfectly into the Tigers’ plans to modernize their passing attack.
Auburn has been searching for a go-to receiver who can consistently win one-on-one matchups, and Singleton may be the answer. His experience in a competitive ACC environment, where he faced top-notch defenses week in and week out, will help him acclimate quickly to the challenges of playing in the SEC.
With Knight at quarterback and Singleton as a key target, Auburn’s passing game looks to be much more explosive in 2025. The pair could form a deadly connection that will put pressure on opposing defenses. Singleton’s ability to stretch the field vertically, combined with his skills in contested catch situations, will provide Auburn’s offense with a balance it has lacked in recent seasons.
Defensive Back: Anquon Fegans – Adding Depth and Versatility to the Secondary
Auburn’s defense also received a significant boost with the commitment of four-star safety Anquon Fegans. Fegans, who hails from the state of Alabama, was pursued heavily by other SEC programs, but Auburn managed to secure his commitment. His versatility as both a safety and a cornerback allows Auburn to use him in various ways within the defensive scheme.
Standing at 6’0” and weighing 190 pounds, Fegans has the size to play physically against bigger receivers while also having the speed to cover faster, more agile players. His football IQ and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes make him a threat in both man and zone coverage.
Fegans’ presence in the secondary will be key for Auburn’s defense, especially as they go up against high-powered offenses in the SEC. With his ability to disrupt passing lanes and provide support in the run game, Fegans could be a game-changer for Auburn. His commitment signals Auburn’s continued focus on strengthening its defense, which will be critical if the Tigers hope to challenge for the SEC title in the coming years.
Offensive Line: Andrew Babalola – Strengthening the Trenches
On the offensive line, Auburn was able to land four-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, a key commitment who will likely compete for immediate playing time. Babalola has the size and strength to dominate at the point of attack, and his 6’6″, 330-pound frame gives him a significant advantage over most defenders.
Babalola’s addition is crucial for Auburn’s offensive line, which has been a point of emphasis for the coaching staff. Offensive line play is often the difference between winning and losing in the SEC, and having a player like Babalola on the roster adds depth and flexibility to the Tigers’ offensive front.
Babalola’s physicality and his ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes will help Auburn’s offense be more effective on the ground and through the air. His presence could make a big difference, especially as Auburn looks to establish a more balanced offensive attack under Hugh Freeze’s guidance.
A Balanced and Promising Class
Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. With the commitments of players like Deuce Knight, Malik Autry, Darrion Smith, Eric Singleton Jr., Anquon Fegans, and Andrew Babalola, Auburn has significantly bolstered nearly every key position group.
The offensive and defensive lines, in particular, stand out as areas where Auburn has made major strides in securing high-level talent. These areas are crucial for long-term success, as games in the SEC are often won in the trenches. Additionally, the commitments at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back show that Auburn is poised to compete at a high level in the coming seasons.
The 2025 class, with its balanced approach to addressing Auburn’s needs, is a testament to the effectiveness of the coaching staff’s recruiting efforts. The Tigers are in a strong position to challenge for SEC titles in the near future, and this class is likely to play a big part in that success.
By building a solid foundation of talent across multiple positions, Auburn is setting itself up for sustained success, and the 2025 recruiting class will play a significant role in that. As Auburn continues to develop these young players, they will form the backbone of a team capable of competing for championships in the toughest conference in college football.
