Just when it seemed like Auburn had fallen out of the race, the Tigers made a shocking move that has reignited their pursuit of four-star defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland.
Cleveland is a top prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, with Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Miami aggressively vying for his commitment. But the Tigers’ renewed push, paired with a strong official visit, has left many wondering—could Auburn pull off a major recruiting upset and land one of the nation’s most promising defensive talents?
Auburn Pursues Strong Four-Star DL Vodney Cleveland After Official Visit
Vodney Cleveland recently made an official visit to Auburn, and the rising star left with a strong impression. He praised the program’s culture and direction, signaling that head coach Hugh Freeze is making real progress. Auburn’s energy and improvement didn’t go unnoticed.
Cleveland, a standout defensive lineman from Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama, is one of the most sought-after players in the 2026 class. He already holds 37 offers from top programs, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Miami. These schools have stayed on his priority list. But now, the Tigers have joined that group and climbed into his top five choices.
Auburn makes big move for four-star DT Vodney Cleveland.
“They’re gunning for that one spot now.”https://t.co/t8qC4kOr1X pic.twitter.com/Wd3XrHAnAl
— Jeffrey Lee (@JLeeAULive) May 19, 2025
Interestingly, Auburn was the first of the five schools he visited. And that early visit may be working in their favor. “This weekend has helped Auburn a lot,” the 4-star DL said. “I would say Auburn is back in my top tier of teams. They’re gunning for that one spot now.”
The rising prospect also shared high praise for Auburn’s defensive coordinator, D.J. Durkin. He added, “He’s a great coach, I love Coach Durkin. I feel like I fit great in his scheme with how he uses different fronts to help his guys succeed and make plays. He’s definitely a big part of that.”
At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Cleveland is ranked as the No. 52 overall recruit in the country and the fifth-best defensive lineman in the 2026 class. His recruitment has been highly competitive, with Florida and Texas leading the chase until now.
KEEP READING: Auburn’s Offseason Grade Signals Legitimate 2025 Breakout Under Hugh Freeze
His upcoming visits to Miami and Georgia will be important for his final decision. Still, Auburn’s recent push has put them back in the race. However, they must maintain their momentum and continue to impress him; otherwise, a potential major victory could turn into a huge fallout.
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