AUBURN — Auburn football recruiting has gone about as good as it could've over the last few weeks.

The Tigers have landed 12 commitments since July began, with eight of those coming in 2025 and another four in 2026. With the latest additions, Auburn is up to the No. 5 class in 2025 — it trails Ohio State, Alabama, LSU and Georgia — and holds the No. 1 haul in 2026.

"I think we’ve been consistent with our message," Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said Friday. "Our message is pretty simple: Come and see. We think that Auburn has a different culture and environment than many. I’m not saying that’s for everyone or that we're better than someone else, but I do think we’re different. I think there’s a lot of families that, when they get here, they sense that.

"Obviously, we’ve got a competitive NIL with On To Victory. I think that’s a part of the discussion, we can’t sit here and say that it’s not, but it’s not like we’re crazy with it. I’m very upfront in saying I think things in life should be earned. I think we’re fair, I think that helps. I really think it’s the culture that people believe."

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Between safeties Anquon Fegans and Eric Winters, edge defender Jared Smith and receiver Derick Smith, Auburn currently has pledges from four of the top five in-state recruits, according to the 247Sports Composite. The No. 1 player in the state, cornerback Na'eem Offord, is committed to Ohio State, though the Tigers are still involved.

Offord was in for a visit during Big Cat Weekend on July 27.

"I’ve got this staff that does a great job with it and building relationships with them and their families," Freeze added Friday. "I’m pleased with where we currently are. Do we need a few more pieces to the puzzle? Yes, and we’re working hard at that, and hopefully we’ll land a few more of those. We’ve made it a priority to start here in state.

"I think right now we’re in a good position with that plan that we put in place, it seems to have been beneficial and worked to this point. Obviously, it’s never over. I’m pleased right now, we’re in the top 10 in the country, I think, and that’s where you have to stay if you want to compete. If we can finish out with a few more pieces that we’re targeting, I think we’ll have been able to stack the ‘25 class on top of the ‘24, which I think was a solid class, also. Pretty comfortable where we are right now."

The Tigers finished with the country's No. 10 class in 2024.

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rich_silva18.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Hugh Freeze describes reasons for Auburn football's recruiting success