Auburn In Contention To Land Four-Star Defensive End
JaReylan McCoy, a four-star defensive end from Tupelo (Ms.), has narrowed his choices to five schools: LSU, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas, according to On3’s Chad Simmons.
“I am down to LSU, Auburn, Texas and Florida,” McCoy told On3. “Those are my four finalists, and I will commit to one of those schools on July 1st.”
McCoy told On3 that he’s picked those schools because they are “recruiting him the hardest” this spring.
In January, McCoy announced his commitment to LSU during the Under Armour All-America game. Just a month later, he decommitted from the program, leaving his signature up for grabs.
The Auburn Tigers will meet first with McCoy on May 16. His schedule calls for a visit to the Swamp on May 30th. He will then travel to Mississippi on June 6th, Texas on June 13th, and wrap up in Louisiana on June 20th.
On3’s Industry Rankings rank McCoy as the 156th overall player, the 16th-ranked defensive end, and the 7th-ranked Mississippi player for the 2026 class.
His 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame would be a welcome addition to a stellar 2026 Auburn recruiting class, which already features five four-star recruits, including two linebackers (JaMichael Garrett, Shadarius Toodle) and an edge rusher (Hezekiah Harris).
The Auburn Tigers are among five schools in contention to land a sought-after defensive end recruit.
Auburn University is making headlines in college football recruiting as they are in contention to land a highly coveted four-star defensive end. With a reputation for developing top-notch defensive talent, the Tigers are keen on bolstering their roster with this promising prospect, whose impressive blend of size, speed, and technique has caught the attention of several major programs.
The defensive end, ranked among the top prospects in the nation, has been evaluating his options carefully. Auburn’s coaching staff has made a concerted effort to demonstrate the value of their program, highlighting their defensive schemes and the opportunities for early playing time. The Tigers’ commitment to a strong defensive identity resonates well with the recruit’s aspirations to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
As official visits approach, Auburn is poised to make a strong impression. The atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium, coupled with the vibrant community and passionate fan base, adds to the allure of the program. Rivals in the recruitment process are formidable, but Auburn’s strong track record and coaching approach could be pivotal in securing this four-star talent, enhancing their defense for the upcoming seasons. The commitment of this player could significantly elevate Auburn’s standing in the college football landscape.
