REPORT: Auburn is one of the last teams vying for a top-10 running back recruit.

In the world of college football recruiting, few positions garner as much attention and anticipation as the running back position. As schools across the nation strive to build championship-caliber teams, securing elite running backs often serves as a cornerstone for their offensive identity. At Auburn University, football recruiting has taken center stage, and as the 2024 recruiting cycle winds down, one name continues to rise to the top of the Tigers’ wish list: Tyler Matthews, a top-10 running back recruit out of Georgia.

The recruitment of Matthews is not just a run-of-the-mill signing—it represents a critical opportunity for Auburn to further solidify its status as a national contender. Auburn’s ability to secure Matthews would not only give the Tigers a dynamic and versatile playmaker for the future, but it would also send a statement to the rest of the SEC and the college football world about the program’s resurgence under head coach Hugh Freeze.

This article delves deep into the importance of securing Matthews, the significance of Auburn’s place in the race for his commitment, and the broader implications of his potential decision for Auburn’s future.

The Race for Tyler Matthews: A Highly Sought-After Running Back

Tyler Matthews is a five-star talent who has been turning heads ever since his sophomore year of high school. As a junior at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, Matthews showcased an electrifying blend of speed, agility, vision, and power that makes him one of the most coveted running backs in the 2024 class. He’s been a key figure in the national recruiting rankings, consistently ranked within the top 10 running backs in the country, and for good reason.

Matthews is a rare type of talent in today’s college football landscape—one who can make defenders miss in the open field with dazzling cuts, while also breaking tackles and picking up tough yards between the tackles. His ability to change direction and accelerate without losing speed makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Whether on outside runs or up the middle, Matthews possesses the versatility that makes him such an attractive option for schools in need of an immediate game-changer at running back.

Auburn’s Pursuit of Matthews: Why the Tigers Are In the Hunt

Auburn has long been a program known for producing top-tier running backs, with names like Bo Jackson, Rudi Johnson, and Carnell Williams forever etched in the program’s history. In recent years, the Tigers have seen some ups and downs in their running back corps, but the position has remained a crucial part of Auburn’s offensive identity. A program like Auburn, which has such a rich history of success with its ground game, is undoubtedly in need of a player like Matthews to keep that tradition alive and restore their competitive edge.

The recruitment of Matthews has seen multiple schools vying for his commitment, but as of late, Auburn has positioned itself as one of the top contenders. Here’s why the Tigers have become one of the last teams in the race for Matthews:

1. Hugh Freeze’s Impact on Auburn’s Recruiting

Since Hugh Freeze was hired as head coach at Auburn, the program has experienced a visible resurgence in recruiting. Freeze, known for his high-powered offenses and ability to develop talent, has injected new life into Auburn’s recruiting efforts. He brings with him a reputation for maximizing the potential of his skill players—especially running backs—and Matthews would be an ideal fit for Freeze’s offensive scheme.

Freeze has already demonstrated a knack for attracting elite talent to Auburn, and his vision for the offense has been a key selling point for Matthews. The ability to play in Freeze’s up-tempo, balanced attack that often emphasizes a strong running game is something that appeals to Matthews, who wants to play in an offense that can showcase his complete skill set. Freeze’s track record of developing playmakers at the running back position, such as his work with former Ole Miss stars like Jeremiah Masoli and A.J. Brown, has made Auburn an appealing destination for Matthews.

2. The Auburn Tradition of Running Backs

While the coaching change was important, Matthews is also drawn to Auburn’s tradition of producing high-caliber running backs. The Tigers’ storied history of successful backs is difficult for any recruit to overlook. Matthews knows that by committing to Auburn, he would be following in the footsteps of some of the best running backs in college football history. From Bo Jackson’s Heisman-winning campaign in 1985 to recent stars like Tank Bigsby, the Auburn program has consistently produced NFL-caliber running backs.

Matthews, who has grown up watching SEC football, understands the significance of this legacy. He also knows that Auburn’s physical style of play is a perfect match for his own playing style. He doesn’t want to be just another recruit in a system that doesn’t prioritize the run; he wants to be a focal point of an offense built around his talents, something Auburn can deliver.

3. Relationship with Coaches and Players

Auburn’s staff has worked hard to build a personal connection with Matthews, and that has been a key factor in keeping them in the race for his commitment. From his initial visit to campus to his interactions with Freeze and other members of the coaching staff, Matthews has expressed how much he appreciates the transparency and attention to detail from the Auburn staff. Freeze and his assistants have taken the time to not only sell Auburn as a program but to paint a picture of how Matthews would fit into the Tigers’ offensive system.

Additionally, Matthews has had an opportunity to connect with current Auburn players, including star running backs and recruits, to get a sense of the team culture. That camaraderie and chemistry are vital components of his decision-making process, and Auburn’s strong culture under Freeze has made the Tigers one of the most attractive options for Matthews.

Competition for Matthews: Who Is Auburn Battling Against?

While Auburn is one of the front-runners for Matthews, the Tigers face stiff competition from a number of other top-tier programs. Schools like Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State have all made strong pushes for Matthews, with Georgia being a particularly dangerous threat due to its proximity and recent success in recruiting running backs.

Georgia is often viewed as the favorite, primarily because Matthews is from the state of Georgia and the Bulldogs have been one of the most successful programs in the country in recent years. With an established run game, a proven coaching staff, and the allure of staying close to home, Georgia is a major contender for Matthews’ commitment.

Alabama, with its legacy of national championships and a run-heavy offensive system, has also made Matthews a top priority in their recruiting class. Alabama’s strong tradition of developing running backs and its track record of success on the field make the Crimson Tide a major threat.

Clemson, known for its high-powered offense and ability to develop top-tier skill players, has also been in the mix for Matthews’ services. With a system that has produced star running backs and a recent track record of success in the ACC, Clemson offers a platform for Matthews to showcase his talents on a national stage.

Ohio State, with its tradition of running back success and national championship aspirations, has also been involved in the recruitment of Matthews. The Buckeyes’ strong offensive line play and commitment to a balanced offensive attack make them another serious contender.

While these schools pose significant challenges, Auburn is in a strong position due to its unique blend of tradition, coaching stability, and offensive system. The Tigers’ focus on Matthews, combined with the personal relationships he’s built with the staff and players, gives Auburn a fighting chance.

Why Securing Matthews is Critical for Auburn

The commitment of Tyler Matthews would be a huge boost for Auburn’s recruiting efforts, both immediately and in the long term. His addition would address a significant need at running back, providing the Tigers with an immediate playmaker who could contribute early in his career.

Beyond the immediate impact on the field, Matthews’ commitment would also be a critical step in rebuilding Auburn’s recruiting profile. Landing a top-10 running back from Georgia would send a powerful message to recruits across the country that Auburn is back as a national contender. It would show that the Tigers are able to compete with the best programs in the country for elite talent and that Auburn remains a destination for players who want to play in one of the best conferences in college football.

Conclusion: The Final Push for Matthews

As we enter the final stretch of the 2024 recruiting cycle, Auburn is positioning itself as one of the top contenders for Tyler Matthews. While schools like Georgia, Alabama, and Clemson will be tough competitors, Auburn’s unique combination of tradition, coaching stability under Hugh Freeze, and a strong relationship with Matthews has the Tigers firmly in the hunt.

For Auburn, securing Matthews would not only fill a critical need at running back but would also represent a monumental victory in the competitive world of college football recruiting. As the Tigers continue to build momentum under Freeze, a commitment from a player like Matthews would be a significant step toward returning to national prominence.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining where Matthews ultimately lands, but one thing is clear: Auburn is in the thick of the race, and the Tigers are doing everything they can to ensure that Matthews is wearing an Auburn uniform come fall 2024.