Auburn Tigers Land Historic International Commitment from New Zealand Offensive Lineman Nikau Hepi for 2026 Class
The Auburn Tigers football program received a significant boost to its 2026 recruiting class on Tuesday with the commitment of Nikau Hepi, a towering offensive lineman from New Zealand. Hepi’s pledge to Auburn carries not only athletic implications but also historical weight, as he becomes the first player from the NFL Academy — an initiative launched in 2019 to develop international American football talent — to commit to a U.S. college football program.
Hepi’s decision offers a glimmer of optimism for Auburn, which has recently experienced some turbulence on the recruiting trail. Heading into the final stretch of June, the Tigers had suffered the loss of three verbal pledges from their 2026 class. But the 6-foot-7, 370-pound lineman’s commitment gives the class a much-needed shot in the arm and marks a unique milestone for the program under head coach Hugh Freeze.
Auburn was the first school to extend a scholarship offer to Hepi, a move that appears to have paid off. While he later received additional interest — most notably from Florida State, the only other Power Four program to make an offer — Hepi ultimately chose the Tigers. His campus visit earlier in the summer likely helped solidify the bond between the player and the program.
Though he’s rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports’ composite system, Hepi’s physical attributes and international background make him a distinctive figure in Auburn’s 2026 haul. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Hepi is currently ranked as the No. 852 overall player in the class, the No. 72 offensive lineman nationally, and the No. 1 overall prospect from New Zealand — a title that reflects his trailblazing journey from the Southern Hemisphere to the American South.
The NFL Academy, based in the United Kingdom, is part of the NFL’s global growth strategy and serves as a training and educational hub for young international athletes aiming to break into American football. Hepi’s commitment marks the Academy’s first success story in funneling talent directly into a major college football program in the United States. His path to Auburn may also signal a growing trend of international athletes making the leap to the NCAA as football’s global reach expands.
With Hepi now in the fold, Auburn’s 2026 class sits at six total commitments. Though relatively small in number at this stage, the class boasts a solid mix of positional talent and geographic diversity. Hepi is the fourth-highest-rated recruit in the group, which is led by four-star EDGE defender Hezekiah Harris.
Here’s a breakdown of Auburn’s 2026 recruiting class as it currently stands:
Hezekiah Harris, EDGE (4 stars)
Ranked No. 93 nationally, Harris is the No. 12 EDGE rusher in the country and the No. 7 overall player from Alabama. He’s considered the top name in Auburn’s class at this point and gives the Tigers a potential future star on the defensive side of the ball.
Denairius Gray, Wide Receiver (4 stars)
Coming in at No. 268 nationally, Gray is ranked as the 44th wide receiver and 41st player from Florida. His speed and athleticism make him a key offensive weapon for Auburn’s future.
Parker Pritchett, Interior Offensive Lineman (3 stars)
Pritchett is ranked No. 435 overall, No. 40 among offensive linemen, and No. 50 in the state of Georgia. He adds depth and size to the offensive line group alongside Hepi.
Nikau Hepi, Offensive Lineman (3 stars)
Hepi’s ranking of No. 852 nationally doesn’t fully capture the intrigue around his recruitment. As the first NFL Academy product to join a U.S. college team and Auburn’s first New Zealand commit, Hepi brings both potential and international flair.
Wayne Henry, Safety (3 stars)
Listed at No. 911 overall, Henry ranks as the No. 76 safety and No. 19 prospect from Maryland. He provides depth in the secondary and adds to the class’s geographic reach.
Eric Perry, Running Back (3 stars)
Rounding out the class is Perry, who’s ranked No. 1,044 overall, the 77th running back in the class, and the 33rd best player from Mississippi. His commitment helps balance Auburn’s offensive recruitment.
Auburn’s recruiting momentum had taken a hit earlier in June with three prospects backing away from their pledges, but Hepi’s arrival is a statement that the staff is still very much active and capable of attracting talent — even from halfway around the globe. Hugh Freeze and his team are showing that they’re not afraid to break new ground in the hunt for future Tigers.
Beyond his rankings and recruiting value, Hepi’s unique background offers Auburn an opportunity to expand its brand internationally. His story could help the Tigers tap into non-traditional recruiting markets, particularly as the NFL and NCAA continue to invest in international development efforts.
While it remains to be seen how Hepi will transition to the physicality and complexity of SEC football, his size and potential make him an exciting project for Auburn’s coaching staff. His commitment suggests that Freeze and his team are not only focused on immediate gains but also on laying the groundwork for a deeper, more diversified talent pipeline heading into future seasons.
In the short term, Hepi’s pledge helps stabilize Auburn’s 2026 class after a shaky few weeks. In the long term, his signing might be remembered as a turning point — not just for Auburn, but for the broader internationalization of college football recruiting. One thing is certain: the Tigers have added a big piece to their future, in more ways than one.
