Elite 5-star recruit shows off Auburn-themed Cybertruck at Big Cat weekend visit

The Big Cat weekend brought in numerous leading recruits to Auburn, featuring Jared Smith from Hoover (Ala.) Thompson is a 5-star EDGE player.

Smith, a high-priority target for Auburn in the 2025 recruiting cycle, is nearing his commitment date on Aug. 3, making him a key focus for Hugh Freeze and his coaching team. Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and others are in contention for Smith. However, the Cybertruck he arrived in might be a telling sign of where he's leaning.

At 6 feet 6 inches and 235 pounds, Smith made a memorable entrance for the weekend's events, arriving in an Auburn-branded Tesla Cybertruck.

Based on insights from people close to him, Auburn is currently in a favorable position to secure Smith. Although Smith had previously narrowed his choices to six schools, his attention has been concentrated on Auburn and South Carolina as he prepares to make his decision.

Ranked as the No. 42 prospect nationwide and the No. 4 EDGE in the 2025 cycle by On3 Industry Ranking — a combined metric from the four major recruiting services — Smith is also the second-ranked player from Alabama.

Big Cat weekend, a highlight of the summer recruiting calendar, has already made significant impacts for the Tigers as of Saturday, even though no commitments for the 2025 class have been announced yet.

Nonetheless, Auburn has secured commitments from two top recruits in the 2026 class: Hezekiah Harris, a four-star EDGE from Huntsville (Ala.) Jemison, ranked No. 19 nationally, and Shadarius Toodle, a four-star linebacker from Mobile (Ala.) Cottage Hill Christian, who is ranked 64th nationally.