Auburn Tigers HC Hugh Freeze successfully. It was anticipated that one of the best recruits in the 2026 class will pledge to the Auburn Tigers at tight end.
Steve Wiltfong of On3 forecast that tight end Xavier Tiller would be acquired by the Tigers on Thursday.
Alabama, Louisville, Georgia, USC, Texas A&M, LSU, and other schools have extended offers to Tiller. He has made five unofficial visits to Auburn, and on June 6 he will make his official visit.
Tiller has also made trips to Alabama, Georgia, and Louisville twice.
He was born in Fairburn, Georgia, and weighs 205 pounds at 6 feet 5 inches. He goes to Hughes High School in Langston.
Tiller de-committed on February 11 after having been committed to Texas A&M since November.
According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Tiller is a four-star prospect and the eighth-ranked tight end in the 2026 class.
Hugh Freeze is the head coach of the Auburn Tigers.
Auburn Tigers HC Hugh Freeze successfully
Auburn has a 93.9% probability of acquiring Tiller, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. Georgia (<1%), Louisville (1.5%), and Alabama (2.6%) are in second and third place, respectively.
Tiller would be Auburn’s first 2026 tight end commit if Wiltfong’s prophesy comes to pass. He would join three-star safety Wayne Henry, four-star linebackers Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett, four-star receivers Devin Carter and Denairius Gray, and four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris.
After finishing 2024 with a dismal 5-7 record, Auburn is hoping to get it back to the postseason. The “Iron Bowl” matchup versus Alabama in the final regular season game determined the Tigers’ bowl status. Auburn missed out on a bowl game appearance after losing 28–14.
Auburn experienced significant roster changes this offseason. The most notable additions from the transfer portal include wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (Georgia Tech), linebacker Xavier Atkins (LSU), and quarterback Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma).
The Tigers will kick off their 2025 season on August 30 against Baylor.
