Auburn’s 2026 recruiting class sits at No. 56, but optimism hinges on playoff contention unlocking flips for premium targets. Immanuel Iheanacho, a five‑star offensive tackle from Oregon, is the marquee name Auburn fans are watching as a potential flip. Isaiah Broughton from UNLV is another target in play, and the chatter hints that Broughton’s brother Vernon could be a part of the NFL story, following a Texas stint to the New Orleans Saints. The takeaway: keep an eye on Auburn if the Tigers compete for a CFP bid, as it could turn the cycle in a hurry.

Auburn has already added two Top 10 recruiting classes and looks positioned to supplement them with key transfers. The transfer class is led by Jackson Arnold, Eric Singleton Jr., and Xavier Chaplin, giving Hugh Freeze immediate playmaking upside on offense and protection on the line. Returning contributors like Cam Coleman, Bradyn Joiner, and Demarcus Riddick bolster the depth chart, raising the floor as Auburn pursues a playoff appearance and a winning season in Freeze’s third year.

Wiltfong’s “Spatula U” line underscores the broader strategy: playoff contention would magnify Auburn’s recruiting leverage and quicken the transition. Production from the top transfers and the veteran core will be critical to meeting those expectations as the 2025 season unfolds and shapes the 2026 pursuit.