Auburn finished 2025 National Signing Day with the No. 6 ranked recruiting class in the nation according to most outlets, and some of those top ranked recruits are already making themselves well known. Five in particular, edge rusher Jared Smith, quarterback Deuce Knight, linebacker Jakaleb Faulk, and defensive lineman Malik Autry and Antonio Coleman, earned themselves spots on the On3 ‘Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game Top Performers’ list this week.
The list, which was made by On3 analyst Charles Power, highlighted the top 10 high school prospects that have made an impact through the practices leading up to the All-Star game on December 14. Smith, who was widely considered as a top 3 edge rusher in the 2025 cycle, was the highest ranked Tiger on the list, ranking in the No. 2 spot behind only Colorado signee Carde Smith. Deuce Knight also ranked in the top five, taking the No. 5 spot. Faulk (6), Autry (7), and Coleman (10), rounded out the rankings, giving Auburn spots in half of the 10-man list.
While Hugh Freeze is likely to bring in a transfer portal quarterback to compete with the aforementioned Knight, it is a major possibility all five future Tigers on this list receive a heavy snap share once they touch down on the Plains next season. With plenty of spots opening on the roster and the sizable talent influx set to reinforce Auburn’s roster next year, the Tigers are likely to have a much different look next season.
Standout individual performances by top ranked recruits like these could help propel players like Smith, Autry, Knight, Coleman, and Faulk up the depth chart as next fall approaches.
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