After a disappointing 5-7 season and missing out on a bowl game under head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn’s future looks brighter in the recruiting game. The Tigers are set to welcome a standout visitor this summer, as linebacker and 2026 commit Shadarius Toodle will officially visit Auburn on June 13. Toodle, a key piece of Auburn’s 2026 recruiting class, has been committed to the Tigers since July and is one of six recruits already on board. Along with Toodle, Auburn has secured pledges from four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star wide receiver Devin Carter, four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, four-star receiver Denairius Gray, and three-star safety Wayne Henry.
Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 220 pounds, Toodle attends Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama. Ranked as the No. 6 linebacker and No. 7 prospect in Alabama for his class by On3 Industry Rankings, he is a coveted four-star talent.
In addition to his commitment to Auburn, Toodle has upcoming official visits scheduled with top programs like Georgia, Michigan, Florida, and Baylor. Despite a challenging season in 2024, where Auburn’s hopes were dashed by a string of SEC losses after a 2-1 start, Freeze managed to guide the Tigers to a 24-10 victory over Kentucky. However, the season ended with a loss to Alabama, sealing their fate for missing a postseason berth. Auburn’s 2023 campaign concluded with a 31-13 defeat to Maryland in the Music City Bowl, wrapping up at 6-7. Under Freeze’s leadership, Auburn has a 11-14 record over two seasons, with the 2025 season set to kick off against Baylor on August 30.
