Auburn Lands In-State Star Donivan Moore, Giving Alex Golesh a Signature Early Win
Alex Golesh hasn’t coached a game yet on The Plains, but he just scored a major victory-and it came on the recruiting trail. Auburn landed a commitment from Donivan Moore, a 4-star defensive lineman out of Hueytown, Alabama, and the No. 1 overall prospect in the state for the 2027 class, per the 247Sports Composite.
For a first-year SEC head coach trying to turn the page from a couple of rocky regimes, this is exactly the kind of momentum-builder Golesh needed.
Moore’s commitment is more than just a win-it’s a statement. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive force holds over 20 offers from across the country, including heavyweights like Alabama, LSU, Texas, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. But it was Auburn that made the biggest impression, and Golesh’s presence clearly played a central role.
“What made Auburn right for me was the connection,” Moore said. “Once Coach Golesh got there, I felt a different vibe and things were going the right way.
I feel like it’s going to be a very special year. He’s going to get the program back to where it needs to be and how it used to be.”
That’s not just a recruit talking. That’s a top-tier prospect buying into a vision-and doing so early in the process. Moore’s commitment gives Golesh and his staff a foundational piece to build around in the 2027 class, and it sends a message to other in-state recruits: Auburn is back in the fight.
And make no mistake, in-state recruiting is a battle. Auburn doesn’t just compete with the rest of the SEC for talent; it has to go toe-to-toe with Alabama for the best players in its own backyard. Winning a head-to-head like this, especially for a player the Crimson Tide wanted, is a huge early feather in Golesh’s cap.
Moore isn’t just the top player in Alabama-he’s also ranked as the No. 5 defensive lineman in the country and a Top 75 overall prospect nationally. His blend of size, power, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for offensive lines and a potential anchor for Auburn’s defensive front in the years to come.
But it wasn’t just football that drew Moore to Auburn. His visits to campus left a lasting impression, and it’s clear the school’s culture made just as big an impact as the coaching staff.
“The fanbase, school and community, everything about Auburn. That place is magical,” Moore said. “Once you step foot on that campus and look around that campus and how everybody treats you, you never want to leave.”
That’s the kind of quote that resonates-not just with fans, but with future recruits. Auburn is selling more than a program right now.
It’s selling belief, connection, and a fresh start under Golesh. And Moore just became the face of that pitch.
For a program looking to re-establish itself in the SEC hierarchy, this is a foundational win. Golesh has a long road ahead, but with recruits like Donivan Moore buying in early, he’s off to a strong start.