In the latest Auburn Tigers news update, the football program has experienced a setback as an in-state offensive lineman has withdrawn his commitment.
Originally hailing from Mobile, Alabama, 4-star offensive tackle Carde Smith had pledged to join Auburn earlier this year in April. However, following a recent visit to USC, Smith has opted to reverse his decision, signaling a potential lean towards the Trojans despite initial preferences for Auburn over Florida State and Mississippi State.
Ranked as the #26 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class and the #15 prospect in Alabama, Smith’s decommitment leaves Auburn with 15 committed recruits for their 2025 class, which still holds a formidable #6 national ranking.
Meanwhile, in Auburn basketball news, head coach Bruce Pearl addressed the unexpected transfer of freshman Aden Holloway to rival Alabama. Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Holloway, who initially showed promise for the Tigers, chose to depart for Tuscaloosa.
Despite Holloway’s decision being perceived as a loss for Auburn, Coach Pearl remains focused on the team’s direction moving forward. Holloway, who averaged 7.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during his freshman year, cited reasons related to his experience and expectations at Auburn as contributing factors to his transfer decision.
Reflecting on the implications for the Auburn-Alabama rivalry, Pearl acknowledged the added intrigue Holloway’s move brings to the longstanding competition between the schools.
He likened Holloway’s transfer to a scenario where a key player switches sides in the intense Iron Bowl football rivalry, emphasizing its potential to heighten excitement and continue the storied tradition between Auburn and Alabama.
