Big Cat Buzz: The aftermath

The latest intel and notes that we have after Big Cat Weekend Saturday… In the style of quick-hitter notes.

CB – Na’eem Offord , Birmingham, Ala., Parker (Ohio State)

— I said on the call-in show that Offord was less of a potential surprise visitor and more of an expected visitor. With how hard Auburn is after Offord, I would have been surprised if he didn’t make it in.

— Offord did not say anything eye-opening whatsoever, but his presence at the event was the most important thing. Auburn is beginning to work its way back into this race–chipping away at the big lead owned by the Buckeyes.

— According to my intel, Auburn made another positive move in its attempt to flip Offord and keep him in-state. Oregon is involved as well. Our intel suggests this could be a three team race with Ohio State being tough to knock off.

LB – Tyler Lockhart , Winona (Miss.) Winona Secondary School

— Lockhart was one of the more intriguing visitors. He recently decommitted from Auburn. He did not seem to want to interview, which is understandable.

— According to our intel, Auburn did not want to lose Lockhart and will continue to work on getting him back in the fold. At this time, there is some confidence that it could happen.

— The one hold up: it seems as though the family wants both brothers to be together. Lockhart’s older brother, TJ, is at Mississippi State. This will be an interesting recruitment to track.

WR – Derick Smith , Selma, Ala., Southside (Alabama)

— Auburn Live has spoken to a few sources that believe Smith is contemplating a flip to Auburn. One source is even leaning toward that being more likely.

— Why would he flip? Auburn is certainly pushing and giving him a chance to be the premier receiver in its class. He is cousin’s with Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright who respectfully recruits him to Auburn.

— Then, there is Charles Kelly who could be the x-factor in this recruitment. Auburn is going to leave it up to Smith on what position he plays, but prefers him at receiver. Kelly, though, is Smith’s area recruiter, and has been recruiting him since his last year at Alabama (2022).

— Why would he stick with Alabama? He loves the winning tradition and believes the current coaching staff will uphold it. He is close with Freddie Roach–who has been in his recruitment for a while and was on the previous staff.

— Relationships appear to be a big deal in this recruitment.

More notes

— We have picks in for 4-star teammates Jared Smith and Anquon Fegans . We continue to feel great about those picks.

— Spoke with new Auburn commit Hezekiah Harris and some of the crew that he brought along.. They all wanted to have a graphic for what they’re calling “The Freeze 5.” Auburn is working to sweep the state for the top defenders in the 2026 class: Hezekiah Harris, JaMichael Garrett, Shadarius Toodle, Vodney Cleveland, and Anthony “Tank” Jones. So, we collabed on a graphic.

— Auburn is surging for 2026 4-star edge Jordan Carter who attended Big Cat. If he should decide to have an early decision, I think that would potentially be good news for the Tigers. There is no clear timeline for a decision at this time.

— Auburn seems to also be surging for a pair of 2026 tight ends: Corbyn Fordham and Xavier Tiller . Fordham told Auburn Live that Auburn was and has been in his top group for a while now. Tiller spoke highly of Auburn and there is buzz building around him with a potential early commtment. If that is the case, I might put a pick on Auburn. He is close with Auburn commit Tavaris Dice .

— Speaking of Dice, he told us about a meeting that the entire commitment group had with Hugh Freeze before Big Cat kicked off. Dice said that Freeze was telling them how important they are and that they would be ambassadors for those who were not yet committed.

— I believe Auburn is going to be a major contender for 2026 defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright from Buford, Ga. He is a tier one target for the Tigers.

— I have been searching for a school to flip one of my current RPM picks.. I have Zelus Hicks predicted to Auburn, but have not been confident in that for some time. However, I think that pick might be a good one at this time. Hicks mentioned a possible reclassification and that Charles Kelly and Auburn are pushing for him. According to my intel, the Tigers have a very realistic shot here.

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