Jaquez Wilkes Signs with Auburn, Stays True to His Word Despite Coaching Change
Auburn fans, breathe easy-Jaquez Wilkes is officially a Tiger.
The highly touted linebacker from Wadley, Alabama, stayed firm in his commitment, signing with Auburn on Wednesday as the early signing period opened. Even with a head coaching change from Hugh Freeze to Alex Golesh, Wilkes never wavered. From the start, he said nothing could change his mind, and he meant it.
This is a major win for Auburn’s recruiting class, and credit goes to defensive coordinator and linebackers coach DJ Durkin for keeping the relationship strong. Durkin led the charge in bringing Wilkes on board, beating out a loaded field that included Alabama, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and Miami. While some programs had Wilkes pegged as an edge rusher, Durkin saw him as a true middle linebacker-and that pitch stuck.
Wilkes, listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class. According to 247Sports, he's ranked No. 67 nationally, No. 6 among linebackers, and No. 5 in the state of Alabama. And he’s just an hour down the road from Auburn’s campus.
Now, it’s one thing to be a top prospect on paper. But Wilkes has been putting up video game numbers since he was in eighth grade.
Playing 1A ball at Wadley, he’s been the heart and soul of his team on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he’s already piled up 367 tackles and 42 tackles for loss before even finishing his senior season.
Offensively? He’s been just as dominant, rushing for 6,635 yards and 78 touchdowns before this year’s campaign.
And with his team playing for a state title in Birmingham on Thursday, he’s still not done.
Wilkes is the kind of player who jumps off the tape. He’s got the size, the athleticism, and the instincts to be a difference-maker at the next level.
He shoots gaps with purpose, delivers explosive contact, and has a natural feel for finding the football. He’s comfortable in space, can drop into coverage, and uses his length to make plays from sideline to sideline.
There’s still plenty of room for growth, too. He plays a bit upright at times, and improving his flexibility and hand technique could unlock another level of his game.
Some scouts think he could eventually slide into more of an edge rushing role, especially as he adds weight and refines his pass-rush moves. But whether he ends up as a middle linebacker or a hybrid edge, the tools are there.
The biggest question mark? The jump in competition.
Wilkes has been a small-town superstar, but stepping into SEC-level football is no joke. That said, his physical traits and production suggest he’s more than ready for the challenge.
For Auburn, this is more than just a recruiting win-it’s a statement. Holding onto a blue-chip local talent through a coaching transition shows stability and trust in the program’s direction. And for Wilkes, it’s a chance to stay close to home and make an impact at the next level in front of the same community that’s been cheering him on since middle school.
This one feels like a perfect fit-for both player and program.