This week, 2026 five-star safety Jireh Edwards announced that he will make his official commitment on Saturday, July 5. Oregon remains firmly in the mix for the defensive back, but he recently visited Georgia and is scheduled to visit Auburn, a program gaining traction in his recruitment.
Auburn’s roster already includes multiple former St. Frances Academy players, Edwards’ alma mater. But while SEC powers continue to push, Oregon, under Dan Lanning, has become a national contender, especially with its emphasis on size and length in the secondary. Edwards remains a top priority for each school.
5-Star Safety Jireh Edwards Nearing Decision as Football Bluebloods Circle
Jireh Edwards has locked in Saturday, July 5, as the date he’ll announce his college commitment, per On3. The 6’2″, 205-pounder is rated the No. 21 overall prospect in the 2026 class and the No. 2 safety nationally, per the On3. He’s also the No. 3 player in Maryland.
Edwards is down to six schools: Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Auburn, Texas A&M, and Florida. The Gators were not part of his initial top five but have surged into the mix following a recent push in his recruitment.
5-star safety Jireh Edwards talks about the key factors for a school to land him with @ChadSimmons_
“My decision will be about what I can do on and off the field. Who can set me up for after ball?” pic.twitter.com/D2ZnwxDdX3
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 29, 2025
“My decision will be about what I can do on and off the field. Who can set me up for after ball?” Edwards said of the factors driving his college choice.
Oregon is battling for the elite defensive back alongside traditional SEC powers. The Ducks have a potential edge through a personal connection: redshirt freshman cornerback Ify Obidegwu, a former St. Frances teammate, is in contention for a starting role and could offer insight into the program’s culture and development.
Edwards has been effusive in his praise of Auburn, calling the Tigers “at the top of my list right there with Texas A&M, Oregon, Georgia.”
Back in April, he said, “They do a really hard job of making me—I can never settle on a school because the next day, Auburn will come text me and tell me some good stuff. Auburn will always have that love for me, you know what I’m saying?”
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Florida hopes to secure an official visit this fall, even if it comes after his July commitment. Edwards recently visited the Gators and maintains strong ties with safeties coach Vinnie Sunseri, who was previously at Washington.
“I feel like I will love it once I get down there and see more,” Edwards told Gators Online. “They make me feel comfortable even though I’ve only been down there once.”
As a junior, Edwards recorded 92 tackles, including 17 for loss, and forced three fumbles. With the decision nearing, several powerhouses remain firmly in contention for his commitment.
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