Auburn Tigers Named Finalist for Four-Star Linebacker Anthony Davis as Elite Defender Sets Official Date for Commitment Decision
As recruiting momentum continues to build on The Plains, Auburn football finds itself in the thick of yet another high-stakes recruiting battle—this time for four-star linebacker Anthony Davis, one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class. Davis, a highly coveted recruit out of Louisiana, officially announced that Auburn is among his final group of schools, and he has now set a public commitment date, putting an end in sight to one of the more competitive recruitments in the Southeast.
Davis, rated as a four-star by every major recruiting service and widely considered one of the most complete linebackers in his class, revealed his list of finalists via social media and interviews this week. The group includes Auburn, LSU, Texas, and Florida State—each offering a compelling case in its own right. But the Tigers have positioned themselves strongly down the stretch, thanks in large part to a focused recruiting push by head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Davis brings a versatile skillset that modern defenses covet. He’s fast enough to run with tight ends and running backs in coverage, physical enough to shed blockers at the point of attack, and instinctive in how he diagnoses plays. In his junior season at John Curtis Christian School, Davis tallied over 120 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two interceptions—numbers that reflect both his productivity and versatility.
Auburn’s inclusion in his final group speaks volumes about the strides the program has made in recruiting under Freeze’s leadership. Despite fierce competition from blue-blood programs, the Tigers have managed to remain a constant presence in Davis’ recruitment. Freeze and his staff hosted Davis multiple times during the spring and summer, including a pivotal official visit in early June that reportedly made a lasting impression on the talented linebacker and his family.
According to sources close to Davis’ recruitment, Auburn’s message throughout has been clear: he’s not just a want—he’s a need. The Tigers are in the process of reloading their linebacker room, and Davis represents the kind of SEC-ready athlete who could contribute early and help lead a new wave of defensive talent. During his visits, Auburn emphasized how Davis would be deployed in Ron Roberts’ aggressive, multiple-front defense, with the freedom to roam, blitz, and make plays in space.
Davis himself has spoken positively about his Auburn experiences. “It just feels like family there,” he said in a recent interview. “Coach Freeze is building something special, and they’ve been consistent with me from the beginning. I see myself fitting into what they do on defense.” He also praised linebackers coach Josh Aldridge, who has been instrumental in developing Auburn’s defensive identity over the last two seasons.
With his commitment date now officially set for August 3, the countdown has begun. The final weeks leading up to a decision are always intense, especially when multiple powerhouse programs are involved. LSU, the in-state school, is pushing hard to keep Davis home, while Texas has made him a top priority in its defensive rebuild under Steve Sarkisian and new DC Pete Kwiatkowski. Florida State, meanwhile, is pitching stability and recent defensive success under Mike Norvell’s regime.
Still, Auburn remains a real threat—and perhaps even a favorite—heading into the final stretch. The Tigers’ recruiting class currently ranks just outside the top ten nationally, but a commitment from Davis could push it over the edge and signal another major win on the recruiting trail. Adding Davis to a class that already includes several highly rated defensive prospects would continue to affirm that Freeze’s plan is working—and that elite defensive players are buying into it.
Davis’ recruitment also illustrates how Auburn’s brand is evolving. In recent years, the program has fought to reestablish itself as a national recruiting force amid SEC expansion and the rise of NIL-driven battles. Freeze has responded by modernizing Auburn’s recruiting infrastructure, building deeper relationships, and targeting high-character athletes who also possess elite physical tools. Davis checks every one of those boxes.
The linebacker position is especially critical for Auburn moving forward. While the 2025 defense returns key veterans like Eugene Asante and Austin Keys, the future core must be solidified through recruiting. Davis, with his range and instincts, could be the anchor of that next-generation group. He’s not just a potential contributor—he’s a potential cornerstone.
There’s also growing recognition among recruits that Freeze is building something sustainable. In multiple interviews, Davis has mentioned how he sees Auburn “trending upward” and respects how the staff is transparent and accountable. He’s also close with several current Auburn commits and is known to keep in touch with players already in the program, a sign that the Tigers’ locker room culture may be playing a quiet but vital role in his thinking.
One aspect working in Auburn’s favor is familiarity. Davis has visited the campus more than once, and each time, his family has joined him. They’ve had opportunities to meet the staff, explore the facilities, and get a feel for life in Auburn beyond football. It’s these intangibles that sometimes separate one program from another in recruitments that are otherwise neck-and-neck.
Still, the fight is far from over. LSU’s proximity and recent success under Brian Kelly make them a strong contender, especially considering their defensive reputation and recent draft success at linebacker. Texas, too, is making a strong play, leveraging its upcoming move into the SEC to sell recruits on playing immediately in prime-time matchups with national attention. Florida State’s pitch is based on stability, a clear defensive identity, and the potential for early playing time.
But Auburn is doing what it must: staying persistent, staying connected, and staying confident. In today’s recruiting landscape, relationships matter more than ever, and the Tigers’ staff has invested in building genuine trust with Davis and his inner circle.
Regardless of Davis’ final choice, his recruitment represents a barometer for Auburn’s recruiting health. The fact that the Tigers are in this position at all—battling against SEC giants and playoff contenders for an elite defender—shows that Freeze and his staff have closed the gap. A few years ago, Auburn may not have even been in Davis’ top five. Today, they are one of the final programs standing.
As August 3 approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. For Auburn, landing Davis would mark more than just a symbolic win—it would be a strategic one. It would signal to other top-tier prospects that Auburn is not only serious about competing in the SEC but also capable of providing a platform to develop, thrive, and eventually reach the NFL. It would also bolster the team’s on-field future, giving them a versatile defender to build around for years to come.
And perhaps most importantly, it would reward the consistency, authenticity, and long-term vision that Freeze and his staff have emphasized since arriving on campus. In an era where instant gratification often rules, Auburn has chosen to build brick by brick. Winning a battle like this one for Anthony Davis would prove that approach is not only viable—but increasingly successful.
For now, the waiting begins. Davis will continue evaluating, coaches will continue pushing, and the fanbases of four major programs will continue hoping. But if Auburn’s efforts, relationships, and vision carry the weight they seem to, August 3 could be a celebration on The Plains—a moment that reflects how far the Tigers have come and how high they’re aiming to go.
