As we approach the final stages of recruiting for the class of 2025, Auburn football is actively navigating the complex landscape of securing top talent, particularly at the quarterback position. Amidst the bustling summer months of college football recruiting, Auburn has maintained an aggressive schedule of camps and visits to attract the most promising prospects.
Currently, Auburn boasts a robust recruitment class with 16 commitments, yet they have not secured a quarterback. Much of the attention has centered around 5-star quarterback Julian “Juju” Lewis from Carrollton, Georgia, who has already pledged his commitment to the University of Southern California (USC). Despite his commitment, Auburn, along with Colorado and Indiana, has persistently courted Lewis.
Recent developments suggest a potential shift in Lewis’s commitment status. Auburn’s head coach, Freeze, and his coaching staff have intensified their efforts on the recruiting front, bolstering the team with additional talents to fortify the quarterback’s support system, particularly in the offensive line—a move aimed at enhancing Auburn’s appeal to prospective quarterbacks. Lewis notably visited Auburn’s campus officially last month, initially positioning the Tigers as frontrunners in his recruitment.
However, Lewis’s subsequent official visit to Colorado has complicated the picture, with speculation mounting that the Buffaloes have emerged as strong contenders. Phillip Dukes of On3 Sports highlighted the uncertainty, stating that while Auburn continues to press for Lewis, Colorado’s recent presentation to the Lewis family during his visit may have left a significant impression.
Recent rumors circulating within the football community suggest that Auburn’s patience with Lewis’s decision-making process may be waning. While Auburn remains optimistic, there are indications that they could be reconsidering their pursuit of Lewis, potentially shifting their focus to KJ Lacey as an alternative.
KJ Lacey, hailing from Saraland, Alabama, is a 4-star quarterback presently committed to Texas. Despite his commitment, Auburn has actively courted Lacey, viewing him as a priority recruit alongside the ongoing speculation surrounding Lewis. Lacey’s recent official visit to Texas at the end of June indicates his current commitment status, with no additional visits scheduled elsewhere.
In a statement to Auburn Live in late May, Lacey emphasized his strong rapport with Auburn’s coaching staff and highlighted the allure of playing alongside talented wide receivers—a positive factor in his ongoing recruitment. Should Auburn decide to intensify their pursuit of Lacey, he stands as a prominent candidate for a potential commitment flip.
Auburn football’s recruitment strategy for the class of 2025 revolves around navigating the complexities of securing a top-tier quarterback. While the initial focus centered on Julian Lewis, recent developments suggest a potential pivot in their recruitment efforts towards KJ Lacey. As the recruiting cycle approaches its climax, Auburn remains poised to capitalize on opportunities while strategically maneuvering through the competitive landscape of college football recruitment.