Auburn is starting to build some early momentum in the 2027 recruiting cycle - and they just landed a big one in the trenches.
Donivan Moore, a highly touted defensive lineman out of Hueytown (Ala.), has committed to the Tigers shortly after making the trip to the Plains for Junior Day. He becomes the second pledge of the Alex Golesh era in the 2027 class, and this one has serious upside.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at 280 pounds, Moore isn’t just another early commit - he’s a national name. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Moore is the No. 72 overall prospect in the country, the No. 5 defensive lineman, and the top-ranked player in the state of Alabama for the 2027 cycle. That’s the kind of profile that turns heads and sets the tone for a class.
A big part of Auburn’s success in landing Moore? Defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams.
He was the primary recruiter for Moore during the previous staff under Hugh Freeze and was retained by Golesh when the coaching change took place - a move that clearly paid off. That continuity and trust proved to be a major factor in Moore’s decision.
“He’s a great coach, he’s going to tell you straight up, he’s not going to sugarcoat it,” Moore said previously. “He’s just going to get you to the next level and more importantly make me a better man.”
That kind of relationship between a position coach and a recruit can be a game-changer, especially for a player of Moore’s caliber. And make no mistake - Moore can play.
As just a sophomore at Hueytown, he put together an eye-opening stat line: 58 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes. Yes, two interceptions returned for touchdowns - from a defensive lineman. That’s the kind of rare athleticism and playmaking ability that makes recruiters drool and offensive coordinators lose sleep.
Moore joins 3-star tight end Trae Proctor, who committed in January, as the foundation of Auburn’s 2027 class. While it’s still early, the Tigers are clearly focused on locking in impact talent, and Moore fits that bill in a big way.
This is more than just a win on the recruiting trail - it’s a statement. Auburn is planting its flag in the state of Alabama and showing that under Golesh, they’re ready to compete for top-tier talent. And with Moore on board, the Tigers just got a whole lot tougher up front.