Auburn looks to continue building program-changing 2025 recruiting class by flipping elite cornerback from Ohio State

After a sudden surge over the summer that brought the Auburn Tigers the fifth-best 2025 recruiting class , head coach Hugh Freeze is focusing on another massive prize. Ohio State 2025 cornerback commit Na'eem Offord visited Auburn in Week 1 against Alabama A&M, fueling speculation he could stay within the state of Alabama and flip from the Buckeyes.

The Birmingham, Alabama native was also on campus for Big Cat Weekend earlier this summer. “I’m currently committed to Ohio State, but still enjoying the process,” Offord said at Big Cat Weekend. “With Auburn, I’m an in-state guy, so they want to recruit me as hard as they can.”

But Auburn won't give up, as Offord is one of two top-10 in-state player for 2025 not committed to the Tigers. Funny enough, Zion Grady is the other, and he's going to the Buckeyes.

While the Buckeyes have been happy to have Offord's commitment since February, they already have No. 1-ranked cornerback Devin Sanchez committed. Still, losing Offord would be a blow since the team's dream of adding three of the top corners in the class ended when Blake Woodby recommitted.

Now, Offord's potential departure looms over the Buckeyes' grasp on the top overall class and health at the cornerback position. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder projects as a future starter next to Sanchez and Jermaine Matthews Jr.

The latest updates from On3's Steve Wiltfong aren't groundbreaking, but we should get more information from Offord as this fall progresses. He'll be in Columbus at some point to see what the Horseshoe can do when it's packed. If that doesn't seal the deal, the Buckeyes will get nervous.

For those who don't have premium, On3 reported that Offord continues to hear pitches from schools other than Ohio State. Considering Offord has admitted as much, this is close to a nothingburger of a drop. But I plan to continue getting information on it, as 247Sports' Tom Loy has logged an Auburn flip prediction.

Will the Buckeyes be able to hold off on Auburn's momentum? We'll continue to track and report on the latest.