Nation’s No. 3 Defensive Lineman Breaks Silence on Heated Recruiting Battle Between In-State Powerhouses Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers

The state of Alabama is no stranger to fierce competition, but when it spills beyond the field and into the recruiting trail, it becomes something entirely different. That’s exactly what’s happening as the nation’s No. 3 defensive lineman, Terrance “T.J.” Everett, offers an update on what is shaping up to be one of the most intense recruiting battles in recent memory between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.

Everett, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound behemoth from Central High School in Phenix City, has long been considered a top-tier prospect in the 2025 class. With a rare blend of size, power, agility, and football IQ, Everett has drawn national attention from nearly every elite program in college football. But as decision time nears, it’s Alabama and Auburn — the two programs closest to home — that are locked in what can only be described as an all-out war for his services.

Everett has kept things relatively quiet for months, content to focus on his senior season preparations and dominate at offseason camps. But in a recent exclusive interview, he pulled back the curtain on how things are going behind the scenes — and it’s clear that both SEC powers are throwing everything they’ve got at him.

“This is different,” Everett admitted. “I knew it was going to be big, but I didn’t think it would be like this. It’s like every day, either Alabama or Auburn is hitting me up. Coaches, players, fans. Everybody’s trying to tell me why I should go to their school.”

While Everett says he appreciates the attention, he also acknowledges the pressure that comes with being such a high-profile in-state prospect. “It’s a blessing, no doubt. I’m thankful. But it gets heavy sometimes. People around here, they’ve got strong feelings about Alabama and Auburn. I’ve got people in my own family split down the middle.”

Everett’s recruitment has intensified since the spring evaluation period, when both Nick Saban’s staff and Hugh Freeze’s team made him an even higher priority. Alabama, with its championship pedigree and proven track record of developing NFL defensive linemen, has long been considered the favorite. But Auburn is closing the gap quickly, thanks to Freeze’s aggressive recruiting approach and a revamped staff that has emphasized keeping elite talent within state lines.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Coach [Freddie] Roach at Bama,” Everett said. “He’s been straight-up with me since day one. They’ve shown me how I could fit into their scheme, how they’d develop me, and they’ve got the track record to prove it. You look at Quinnen [Williams], Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne — guys like that, they all came through there.”

Still, Everett is quick to point out that Auburn is making a very strong case as well — particularly with the way Freeze has involved him personally in the process. “Coach Freeze has been different, man. I didn’t expect him to be so involved. But he calls me, texts me — sometimes he’ll just check in, ask how my mom is doing, stuff like that. It feels more personal. They’re trying to build something special over there, and they want me to be part of it.”

The relationships being built on both sides are clearly pulling Everett in opposite directions. On the one hand, Alabama offers a path to the NFL through a proven system. On the other, Auburn offers the opportunity to be a foundational player in a new era and possibly start earlier. And for someone as competitive and team-oriented as Everett, that’s no small factor.

“Alabama is a machine,” he said. “But at Auburn, they talk to me about being a leader, being a tone-setter for the whole class. They want me to be a building block, and that means something too.”

The visits have played a role in shaping his views as well. Everett has taken multiple unofficial visits to both schools and plans to take officials later in the fall. “When I went to Alabama for the spring game, the atmosphere was wild. Everybody was locked in, and you could tell it was business. That’s how they do it there — it’s all about winning.”

His trip to Auburn, however, left a different kind of impression. “That was a vibe too,” he said. “It felt like family there. The coaches brought out some of the former players to talk with me, and I had a chance to sit down with some of the D-line guys. They told me they’re building something real, and they want me to be the face of it.”

Everett remains uncommitted and says he plans to take his time. With several more official visits on the horizon — including Georgia, Texas, and USC — he isn’t rushing to a decision. But even he admits that the in-state battle may be the deciding factor in the end.

“I’m still open,” Everett said. “But it’s hard to ignore how much Alabama and Auburn are putting into this. They’re making it clear I’m a top priority. I’ve got nothing but respect for both programs. Whichever one I choose, I’m going to give them everything I’ve got.”

The recruiting trail can be unpredictable, especially when emotions and rivalries are involved. For Everett, the stakes are even higher, given how deeply personal the decision is becoming. Coaches from both schools have visited his high school, attended his spring practices, and even made pitches to his inner circle.

“My mom likes both schools. She just wants what’s best for me,” he explained. “My dad’s more of a Bama guy, but he said he’ll support me wherever I go. My uncle? He’s a die-hard Auburn fan. He’s already talking about getting season tickets if I go there.”

In many ways, Everett’s decision is a microcosm of what makes college football in the South so electric. It’s not just about X’s and O’s — it’s about community, identity, and pride. For Alabama and Auburn fans, this isn’t just about winning a recruiting battle. It’s about claiming bragging rights and continuing traditions of excellence and loyalty.

As for Everett, he’s trying to block out the noise and focus on what matters most to him: player development, scheme fit, relationships with the coaching staff, and academics. “I want to major in sports medicine or kinesiology,” he said. “So whichever school sets me up best for life after football, that’s going to be a factor too.”

Even with all the attention and hype, Everett remains grounded. A team captain and honor student, he’s taking his role as a leader seriously and setting the tone for younger players who look up to him. “I tell the younger guys, don’t get caught up in the stars or the rankings. Just work. Be coachable. Everything else will take care of itself.”

That mindset is part of what makes Everett such a coveted prospect. College coaches know they’re not just recruiting a dominant force in the trenches — they’re recruiting a culture-setter. Whether he ends up in Tuscaloosa or Auburn, Everett will be expected to contribute early and often.

“I don’t want to just be another guy,” Everett said. “I want to be a difference-maker. Wherever I go, I’m coming to dominate.”

With National Signing Day still months away, the battle between Alabama and Auburn is far from over. But with each passing week, the pressure mounts, and the stakes grow higher. For now, the state of Alabama waits — watching, speculating, and hoping that the next great defensive line anchor chooses to wear their colors.

One thing’s for sure: T.J. Everett isn’t just choosing a school. He’s choosing a legacy. And the path he picks will shape not just his future, but the next chapter in one of college football’s greatest rivalries.