Top-100 Linebacker Jaquez Wilkes Commits to Auburn, Picks Tigers Over Alabama, FSU, Texas A&M, and Miami in Recruiting Stunner

In a significant recruiting win for Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers, four-star linebacker Jaquez Wilkes, one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class, announced his commitment to Auburn over finalists Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M, and Miami. Wilkes’ decision sends a strong message across the SEC and marks a defining moment in Auburn’s recruiting resurgence under Freeze’s leadership.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker out of Tucker High School in Georgia is ranked among the Top 100 players nationally, per 247Sports Composite. His explosive athleticism, elite pursuit skills, and ability to read offenses made him a coveted target for some of college football’s most dominant programs. But after months of speculation and official visits, Wilkes opted to join the rising Auburn defense, citing culture, coaching, and opportunity as the driving factors behind his decision.

Why Wilkes Chose Auburn: “It Felt Like Family”

During his commitment ceremony streamed live on social media, Wilkes said, “Auburn just felt like home. Every time I stepped on campus, I felt the love—not just from the coaching staff, but from the players, the fans, everybody. They treated me like family.”

While Alabama and Florida State made late pushes, Wilkes noted that his relationship with Auburn linebackers coach Josh Aldridge and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin sealed the deal. “Coach Aldridge showed me how I’d fit in the system. They didn’t just say I’d be a star—they showed me how I’d develop and dominate in the SEC.”

He also praised head coach Hugh Freeze. “Coach Freeze kept it real from day one. No promises, just a plan. That’s what I respected.”

The Recruiting Battle: Auburn’s Triumph Over Heavyweights

Wilkes’ commitment is a recruiting coup for Auburn. All five of his finalists have been perennial Top 10 recruiters over the last decade. Alabama pushed hard, hoping to add Wilkes as a cornerstone to its retooling defense under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Texas A&M, under Mike Elko, pitched early playing time. Florida State emphasized scheme familiarity, and Miami tried to lure Wilkes with NIL backing and a South Beach lifestyle.

Yet it was Auburn’s consistency and personal touch that made the difference. The Tigers hosted Wilkes multiple times during the spring and summer, and he attended the program’s “Big Cat Weekend,” where he connected with other commits and current players.

Sources close to the Wilkes camp said Auburn’s ability to match elite facilities and resources with a genuine developmental approach resonated with the linebacker and his family.

Wilkes’ Fit at Auburn: Physical, Fast, and Fearless

Wilkes is projected to play as a weak-side linebacker in Auburn’s 4-2-5 base defense but has the versatility to move inside or even serve as a hybrid EDGE in blitz-heavy packages.

His tape is full of explosive plays: slicing through blockers, chasing down running backs, and dropping into coverage against tight ends and slot receivers. At Tucker High, he recorded 118 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 2 interceptions during his junior year.

Analysts rave about his ability to diagnose plays and change direction with elite fluidity for his size.

“He’s a missile with a motor,” one SEC recruiting analyst said. “Wilkes plays sideline to sideline. You don’t see many linebackers with his blend of speed, technique, and nastiness. He’s ready-made for the SEC.”

Ripple Effect: Wilkes’ Commitment Could Trigger a Domino

Auburn now has one of the best linebacker hauls in the SEC for 2025 with Wilkes joining recent commit Myles Kendrick, a high three-star from Mississippi.

More significantly, Wilkes’ decision could open the door for additional elite recruits. Five-star defensive end Zion Wallace, who is close friends with Wilkes, was watching the commitment closely and plans to take his official visit to Auburn next month. If Auburn lands Wallace, it could mark back-to-back recruiting victories over Alabama and Georgia.

Auburn’s 2025 class now sits inside the Top 10 nationally, and Wilkes is the Tigers’ highest-rated defensive commit to date. Recruiting momentum is clearly on the side of Hugh Freeze.

Hugh Freeze Reacts: “This Is the Standard”

Shortly after the commitment, Coach Hugh Freeze posted a tiger emoji and a subtle “Let’s work. #WarEagle” on X (formerly Twitter), signaling another big win on the trail.

Later, Freeze addressed Wilkes’ decision during a media availability.

“We’re building something real at Auburn. Jaquez is a culture guy and a difference-maker on the field. This is the type of player we want representing Auburn—tough, disciplined, and relentless.”

Freeze credited his staff for creating a consistent recruiting experience. “When a player steps on campus and sees the same message every time—love, development, and opportunity—it builds trust. That’s what happened with Jaquez.”

Wilkes’ Future and Early Enrollment Plans

Wilkes confirmed during his announcement that he plans to early enroll at Auburn in January. That will give him a full spring practice to get acclimated to the college game and compete for early playing time.

“I’m trying to play early,” Wilkes said. “I know I’ve got to earn it, but I’m coming in ready. I’m not scared of competition.”

He also said he’s already begun recruiting other top players to Auburn. “We’re building a championship defense. I want guys who want to work. If you’re about that, come join me.”

Evaluation by Scouts: “Top 5 Linebacker in the Nation”

National scouts who have evaluated Wilkes at camps and in games believe he has NFL potential written all over him.

“He’s a Top 5 linebacker in this class for a reason,” said national recruiting director Charles Power. “His ability to close in space is exceptional. He’s got a violent punch on contact and covers ground like a safety. He’ll be a tone-setter for Auburn.”

Wilkes runs a verified 4.6-second 40-yard dash, bench presses 315 pounds, and has a 35-inch vertical. He’s also a standout in the classroom with a 3.7 GPA, drawing praise for his leadership and maturity.

Auburn’s Defensive Blueprint Coming Together

With Wilkes on board, Auburn’s 2025 defense is beginning to take shape. The Tigers have already landed four-star cornerback Ryan Middleton and high-upside edge rusher Malik Bridges. If they add a true defensive tackle and flip a high-profile safety, this group could rival the elite defenses Freeze coached against during his time at Ole Miss.

Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin emphasized Wilkes’ leadership qualities. “This kid is the heartbeat of a defense. He brings toughness and intelligence. He makes your whole front seven better.”

Auburn’s goal is to blend elite talent with schematically sound coaching—and Wilkes may be the prototype.

Auburn didn’t just land a blue-chip linebacker. They landed a program tone-setter. Jaquez Wilkes’ commitment signals that Auburn can go toe-to-toe with the Alabamas and FSUs of the world—and win.

More importantly, Wilkes’ decision shows the Auburn brand is back, and Hugh Freeze is building more than just hype—he’s constructing a foundation that could propel the Tigers back to the top of the SEC.

In a recruiting world dominated by NIL deals, social media buzz, and late flips, Wilkes’ commitment stood out for its simplicity and sincerity.

“Some schools talk a lot,” Wilkes said. “Auburn just showed me love—and that’s all I needed.”

War Eagle, indeed.

Jaquez Wilkes’ Recruiting Profile

• Position: Linebacker

• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 225 lbs

• School: Tucker High School (Tucker, GA)

• Ranking: No. 93 nationally, No. 8 linebacker, No. 10 player in Georgia (247Sports Composite)

• Other Finalists: Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M, Miami

• Commitment Date: July 23, 2025

• Enrolling: January 2026 (Early Enrollee)