Auburn football is turning heads early in the 2027 recruiting cycle, making a bold push to challenge Alabama for top in-state talent. The Tigers have aggressively targeted high-profile prospects, signaling that head coach Alex Golesh and his staff are willing to go all-in to reshape the recruiting landscape in the Southeast. This early-season effort underscores Auburn’s intent to compete not just on the field, but also in the battle for future stars.
The Tigers’ strategy centers on relationship-building and consistent communication, leveraging new coaching hires to make a tangible impact with prospects. Auburn’s revamped staff, including several recent additions with strong recruiting pedigrees, has focused on giving each target the sense that they are a top priority—a philosophy that has proven successful in previous cycles. The emphasis is on creating trust, showcasing the program’s vision, and demonstrating that the Tigers can be a landing spot for elite talent.
That push is most evident in the pursuit of Nash Johnson III, a three-star cornerback from McEachern High School in Georgia who has been committed to Alabama since October 2024. Johnson recently attended Auburn’s Junior Day on February 1, 2026, where he met with the Tigers’ staff, including new cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Van Dyke. Johnson has praised Van Dyke for his focus on preparation and confidence-building, noting that the attention and daily communication from Auburn made him feel valued and seriously considered as a potential Tiger.
Auburn’s efforts extend beyond Johnson. The Tigers are also actively recruiting JaBarrius “Chicken” Garror, a four-star edge defender who remains committed to Alabama. Like Johnson, Garror visited the Plains on February 1, where he met with Auburn’s staff and was impressed enough to say the Tigers had “boosted up” on his list. Both visits highlight Auburn’s aggressive approach and the growing intensity of the Iron Bowl recruiting rivalry.
This strategy builds on Auburn’s recent success in flipping in-state prospects. The Tigers famously turned three-star wide receiver Brian Williams Jr. from Alabama during the 2026 cycle, demonstrating that their “priority first” approach can yield tangible results. Golesh and his staff are clearly aiming to replicate that success with their 2027 targets, using personal attention and early engagement to sway prospects before the signing day frenzy begins.
While Johnson and Garror remain verbally committed to Alabama for now, their active interest in Auburn indicates that the Tigers’ pursuit is far from over. Both players are expected to return to the Plains for additional visits in the coming months, keeping the door open for potential flips and intensifying the recruiting showdown. Auburn fans are left watching closely, as the 2027 cycle promises a high-stakes battle for top talent in the Southeast.