After suffering a few recruiting setbacks in June, Auburn football added a blue-chip piece to its 2026 class on Monday.
Four-star prospect Jaquez Wilkes announced his commitment to the Tigers, becoming the 11th player in Auburn’s 2026 class. Wilkes also becomes the highest ranked player in the class, per the 247Sports composite rankings, ranked as No. 90 overall player in the country and the sixth-best player in Alabama.
Listed as an edge rusher by 247Sports, Wilkes is expected to play linebacker at Auburn. As a junior at Wadley High School, Wilkes helped lead his team to an undefeated season and 1A state championship playing on both sides of the ball. That Wadley team was especially dominant too, finishing the 2024 season with a +38.5 average margin of victory.
Wilkes tallied 10 tackles and an interception in the state championship game, to go along with 313 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 38 carries.
Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at prauterkus@al.com
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