The latest on EDGE target Jared Smith

One of South Carolina’s longtime targets – Alabama’s Jared Smith – plans on announcing his college decision on August 3.

What are we hearing as talk swirls that Auburn has overtaken the Gamecocks? We have more, exclusively for members of GamecockCentral.com.

First, let’s be clear on one thing: Hugh Freeze and Auburn have made a major push here. There are several in-state prospects that the Tigers seem determined not to lose out on for the 2025 class. If one wants to draw a parallel, it’s similar to South Carolina’s feelings on in-state wide receiver Malik Clark. You can’t let a talented receiver from Rock Hill leave the state. Similar vibes with Auburn and Smith.

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There has been a run of industry predictions for Smith to Auburn, led by Chad Simmons of On3. Simmons does a fantastic job and is tied into the situation. Also alarming for the Gamecocks is the fact that Smith is planning on being back in Auburn for “Big Cat Weekend” on Saturday.

Before everyone heads to The Insiders Forum to craft a “#HeGone” post, there’s a bit more to know.

As mentioned earlier, Smith is a longtime target of Sterling Lucas, who’s created a positive track record on the recruiting trail. If anyone is built for this challenge, it’s him.

Smith, ranked number 42 overall in the country in the On3 Industry Ranking, took official visits during the spring and summer to Ole Miss, South Carolina, Georgia, and Southern Cal. Auburn scored an unofficial visit this spring and is slated for another this weekend.

Lucas has had the Gamecocks in a favorable position for some time, and that was bolstered after his weekend in Columbia for his OV on May 31. That said, it was known – and we reported – that the Gamecocks would have to hold off some big-time competition for the four-star’s services.

Auburn at the time was not as much a factor, but the Tigers have become one in a big way.

Lucas was heavily involved in the recruitment of Nyckoles Harbor, one that literally went down to the final day and had swung to Oregon before South Carolina was able to swing it back. He landed five-star Dylan Stewart in a recruitment that had plenty of ebbs and flows.

There’s still some time to go here, and some feedback gathered behind the scenes indicates that it’s not as if Auburn is a done deal.

We are not sure as of this writing if Smith may travel to Columbia on Friday for Carolina’s cookout event for prospects.

In short, Auburn is a big threat, but Lucas and the Gamecocks are still in it and shouldn’t be counted out, either.

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