Auburn Wins Massive Commitment: Five-Star EDGE from Harvest, AL Chooses Tigers Over Florida, Tennessee, LSU, and Clemson

 

In a major recruiting victory that sent shockwaves through the SEC, Auburn has landed a commitment from one of the top defensive prospects in the nation. Elijah “EJ” Simmons, a 6’3”, 250-pound five-star EDGE rusher from Harvest, Alabama, announced his commitment to the Auburn Tigers on Monday, choosing them over powerhouse programs like Florida, Tennessee, LSU, and Clemson.

 

Simmons, a senior at Sparkman High School, is ranked among the top 10 overall prospects nationally and is widely considered the No. 1 EDGE in the 2025 class. His decision comes after months of speculation and intense recruitment from some of the biggest programs in college football. The highly sought-after pass rusher made official visits to Florida, LSU, and Tennessee this spring, but in the end, Auburn’s vision—and its proximity to home—won out.

 

In a commitment video posted on social media, Simmons said, “This is where I feel at home. Auburn believed in me from the beginning, and I’m ready to bring championships back to the Plains.”

 

For Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff, Simmons’ commitment is a cornerstone moment in the 2025 class. “This is a huge win for our program,” Freeze said in a statement. “EJ is the type of player who can change the game on every snap. He’s relentless, explosive, and a leader on and off the field.”

 

Simmons’ film speaks for itself—he’s a nightmare off the edge, with elite first-step quickness, strength at the point of attack, and a high football IQ. In his junior season, he racked up 78 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks, earning All-State honors and drawing comparisons to former Alabama star Will Anderson Jr.

 

The Tigers beat out Florida, which was considered the early favorite, as well as LSU and Clemson, both of whom made aggressive late pushes. Tennessee was also a finalist, but Simmons reportedly narrowed his focus to Auburn and Florida in the final week before his announcement.

 

“I will die in orange and blue,” Simmons said emotionally during his commitment ceremony, confirming his lifelong dream to represent Auburn.

 

With Simmons now on board, Auburn’s 2025 class surges into the top 5 nationally, and the Tigers are expected to continue building momentum heading into the summer recruiting period.

 

This is more than a commitment—it’s a statement. Auburn is back in the elite conversation, and EJ Simmons just might be the spark that lights the fire.