Auburn football is loading up for the future-and the future might arrive sooner than expected.
With 20 freshmen joining the 2026 recruiting class and a total of 55 new faces when you include transfer portal additions, the Tigers are setting the stage for a major roster overhaul. Head coach Alex Golesh has made it clear: competition will be fierce this spring and fall, and some of these freshmen could break through early.
Let’s dive into five newcomers who have the tools-and the opportunity-to make an immediate impact on The Plains.
Jaquez Wilkes, LB - The Headliner of the Class
If there’s one name to circle in Auburn’s 2026 freshman class, it’s Jaquez Wilkes. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker out of Wadley is the highest-ranked signee in the group and brings a rare blend of production, athleticism, and versatility.
Wilkes did it all in high school-literally. He played both sides of the ball, racking up 122 tackles and 24 tackles for loss as a senior, while also rushing for over 2,000 yards and 38 touchdowns on just 166 carries.
That’s not a typo. The guy was a one-man wrecking crew.
Ranked as the No. 67 overall player in the country and the sixth-best linebacker by 247Sports, Wilkes steps into a linebacker room that’s deep, but not impenetrable. He may not start from day one, but his upside is undeniable.
The physical tools are there, and his football instincts jump off the tape. Expect him to push for reps early and carve out a role as the season progresses.
Shadarius Toodle, LB - The Enforcer
Right behind Wilkes in the rankings-and maybe right next to him in the linebacker rotation-is Shadarius Toodle. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Toodle brings a physical edge to the defense and a résumé that screams production.
He finished his senior year with 83 solo tackles, 43 assists, four tackles for loss, and an interception. Over his high school career, he totaled nearly 500 tackles, 12 sacks, and eight interceptions. That’s the kind of consistency you love to see in a linebacker prospect.
Toodle originally committed to Georgia before flipping back to Auburn, and that decision could pay off quickly for the Tigers. He’s expected to be a major piece of the defensive puzzle under coordinator Vontrell King-Williams. With his size and experience, Toodle could be one of those freshmen who looks like a veteran from the jump.
DeShawn Spencer, WR - The Playmaker
Every team needs a spark plug on offense, and DeShawn Spencer might be that guy for Auburn. The 3-star receiver flipped from Duke to Auburn just before signing day, and his senior season numbers suggest he’s more than ready for the SEC stage.
Spencer hauled in 84 catches for 1,584 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also adding 458 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. That kind of versatility and explosiveness is hard to ignore.
He’s got the speed to stretch the field and the shiftiness to turn short gains into big plays. With Auburn looking to add more juice to its passing game, Spencer could quickly work his way into the rotation-especially if he shines during spring ball. Think of him as a potential X-factor, someone who could give this offense a new dimension if he adapts quickly.
Wilson Zierer, OL - Built for the SEC
Offensive line is one of the toughest positions to break into as a freshman, but Wilson Zierer might be the exception.
At 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, Zierer already has the size to compete in the trenches. He’s ranked as the No. 315 overall player and the No. 31 offensive tackle in the country. And yes, he’s the younger brother of former Auburn lineman Kilian Zierer, so the family knows what it takes to succeed in orange and blue.
Auburn brought in nine offensive linemen via the transfer portal, which means there’s depth-but also opportunity for a young player to learn and grow quickly. If Zierer can hold his own during spring practices, don’t be surprised if he earns a spot in the two-deep by the fall.
Tavian Branch, DL - The Big Man in the Middle
Auburn’s defensive line took some hits this offseason, losing key veterans like Bobby Jamison-Travis, Dallas Walker IV, Jay Hardy, and Zykeivous Walker. That opens the door for someone like Tavian Branch to step in and make his presence felt.
Branch, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound interior lineman, flipped from Penn State to Auburn and brings the kind of size and strength you need in the SEC trenches. Ranked as the No. 516 overall player and the 58th-best defensive lineman by 247Sports, Branch isn’t just a space-eater-he’s got the potential to be disruptive.
He’ll be working under defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams, and if he can flash during camp, Branch could be part of the rotation sooner rather than later. With Auburn retooling up front, his development will be one to watch closely.
The Bottom Line
Auburn’s 2026 class is more than just a numbers game. It’s a group with real potential to shape the future-and in some cases, the immediate present-of the program.
Guys like Wilkes and Toodle bring SEC-ready frames and production to a defense looking to reload. Spencer offers game-breaking ability on offense. Zierer and Branch could be foundational pieces in the trenches.
Spring ball will be the proving ground, but make no mistake: several of these freshmen have the tools to make noise from day one. Auburn fans should keep a close eye on this group-it could be the start of something special.