Recruiting for College Football: The State of Alabama Is Run by Auburn

During the Nick Saban era, it was widely accepted that the Alabama Crimson Tide dominated recruiting in the Yellowhammer State. With Saban now retired, however, does this dominance persist?

College Football Network delves into the evolving landscape of in-state recruiting and examines Hugh Freeze’s concerted efforts to change the narrative. Was the Class of 2025 an anomaly, or does it signify a potential shift in power toward the Auburn Tigers within Alabama?

Auburn Takes Control in Alabama Class of 2025 Recruiting as Crimson Tide Falter

When Alabama hired Kalen DeBoer as its head coach, a slight decline in recruiting was anticipated. DeBoer’s strength has traditionally been player development rather than securing top-tier talent directly from high school. While this approach hasn’t hindered his coaching success—DeBoer boasts one of the most impressive win-loss records in college football history—Alabama’s current struggles in the Yellowhammer State are noteworthy.

According to On3’s composite rankings, Alabama signed only one of the top 25 recruits from within the state for the Class of 2025. This statistic puts the Crimson Tide on par with programs such as the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, and Arkansas Razorbacks. For context, in Nick Saban’s final recruiting cycle, Alabama landed nine of the top 25 in-state recruits, including five of the top six. This year, the Tide’s sole top-25 in-state signee was interior offensive lineman Micah DeBose, ranked 14th within Alabama.

Meanwhile, Auburn has experienced a meteoric rise under head coach Hugh Freeze. The Tigers secured 10 of the top 12 in-state recruits from Alabama, a testament to Freeze’s emphasis on keeping local talent at home. Freeze’s strategy has been apparent since he arrived on the Plains, as Auburn signed three top-25 Alabama recruits in 2023 and eight in 2024. Notably, two of Auburn’s 2024 signees, Cam Coleman (ranked No. 1) and Kaleb Harris (ranked No. 50), earned spots on College Football Network’s Freshman All-America Team, with another narrowly missing the list.

The Class of 2025 further underscores Freeze’s focus on in-state talent. Auburn signed 12 of Alabama’s top 25 recruits, a significant achievement that highlights the changing dynamics in the state’s recruiting battles. While the true impact of these players remains uncertain, Auburn’s in-state success demonstrates a notable shift in the balance of power.

Should Alabama Fans Worry About In-State Recruiting?

Before hitting the panic button on Alabama’s recruiting efforts, it is essential to consider the broader context. While the numbers may suggest a decline in the Crimson Tide’s ability to secure local talent, the overall strength of their recruiting class tells a different story.

Despite signing only one top-25 in-state recruit, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class finished second nationally. The Tide landed the third-ranked quarterback in the 2025 class, along with seven other top-100 recruits in On3’s national composite rankings. Moreover, Alabama secured commitments from 11 players ranked in the top 15 at their respective positions—even if most were not from Alabama.

Auburn’s recruiting success is undeniable, but Alabama’s class was still superior on paper. Additionally, Alabama’s recruiting strategy has evolved. Under DeBoer, the program’s focus has shifted to a more national scope, allowing them to tap into talent-rich areas outside Alabama. For instance, the Crimson Tide signed four of the top 11 recruits from California—more than any other team—and the nation’s second-ranked junior college player, hailing from Los Angeles.

A Weaker In-State Talent Pool

It is also important to note that the 2025 in-state class was among the weakest in recent memory. For example, the 2024 class featured four five-star prospects from Alabama: Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe, who signed with the Crimson Tide; Cam Coleman, who joined Auburn; and edge rusher Jordan Ross, who committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. By contrast, the 2025 class had only one five-star recruit, Na’eem Offord. Auburn attempted to flip Offord from the Ohio State Buckeyes, but he ultimately signed with the Oregon Ducks.

While it’s not unprecedented for Alabama’s top recruit to leave the state—this marks the fifth instance in the last 10 recruiting cycles—it does reflect a challenging landscape for the Crimson Tide. Additionally, a coaching change inevitably brings a shift in recruiting philosophy. Under Saban, Alabama maintained a stronghold on in-state recruiting while also securing top players nationwide. DeBoer’s approach prioritizes leveraging established recruiting networks beyond Alabama, which has yielded significant results in other regions.

Auburn’s Momentum and Alabama’s National Presence

Auburn’s resurgence under Freeze cannot be overstated. By prioritizing local talent, the Tigers have built a foundation that could lead to long-term success. Freeze’s focus on in-state recruiting has already produced notable results, with Auburn’s Class of 2025 ranking among the program’s best in recent years.

However, Alabama’s national recruiting prowess ensures they remain a formidable force. The Crimson Tide’s ability to attract elite talent from across the country mitigates the impact of their diminished in-state haul. Moreover, DeBoer’s reputation for player development suggests that Alabama will continue to compete at the highest level, even if their recruiting approach differs from Saban’s.

While Auburn’s rise is impressive, it is premature to declare the Tigers as Alabama’s equal. The Crimson Tide finished the 2025 season with a 9-3 record compared to Auburn’s 6-6 mark. DeBoer is also known for his success in Year 2 of his tenures, which could indicate further improvement for Alabama moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The dynamics of in-state recruiting in Alabama are undoubtedly shifting. Freeze’s emphasis on local talent has propelled Auburn to new heights, while DeBoer’s national strategy has allowed Alabama to maintain its position among college football’s elite programs. As the rivalry between these two storied programs intensifies, the recruiting battles within Alabama will remain a key storyline.

Ultimately, the Class of 2025 may be remembered as a turning point for Auburn, but Alabama’s national reach ensures they remain a dominant force in the sport. The Tigers have made significant strides, but the road to overtaking the Crimson Tide is still long. Both programs will continue to evolve, setting the stage for a fascinating future in Alabama football.