Auburn’s football program has been rocked by the sudden uncertainty surrounding Shadarius Toodle, a 4-star linebacker who committed to the Tigers back in July. Once regarded as a cornerstone of their 2026 recruiting class, Toodle’s future now hangs in the balance as the NIL era continues to wreak havoc on college football’s recruitment landscape. In a time when commitments can crumble faster than a sandcastle in the tide, Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, is bracing for a wild ride that could change the course of the Tigers’ roster and recruiting strategy.
Shadarius Toodle: The Game-Changer Who Might Slip Through Auburn’s Grasp?
Toodle, a towering presence at 6’3″ and 210 pounds, has been described as a once-in-a-generation linebacker—dominant in coverage, a sideline-to-sideline menace with an arm span that can seem to span an entire football field. The Auburn Tigers appeared to have secured the elite recruit, but as the recruitment circus swirls into a frenzy, the 4-star linebacker is keeping his options open. He’s set to embark on a thrilling set of official visits, and Auburn is sweating bullets as Michigan emerges as a sleeper threat in the race for Toodle’s signature.
“I just want to be absolutely certain when choosing a college for the next 3 to 4 years,” Toodle recently shared, sending a clear message to his suitors. He’ll start the process by visiting Georgia on May 16, followed by Florida, Auburn, and Baylor. However, a shadow looms over the competition, and that shadow is Michigan.
Michigan’s Bold Move: Is This the Beginning of the End for Auburn?
Michigan, the dark horse in this recruitment saga, has already flipped 4-star defensive lineman Nate Marshall from Auburn in the 2025 class. This previous success has injected confidence into their recruiting efforts, and they’re looking to make a splash by swiping Toodle from Hugh Freeze’s grasp. Jason Piacelli, host of the ROC Boys football podcast, described Toodle as a unique prospect with a rare blend of size and skills, making him a perfect fit for Michigan’s defense. His length and frame allow him to cover vast areas of the field, and despite his lean build, he’s one of the most versatile linebackers in the country.
Piacelli said, “When you’ve got a 6’3 210 with a huge wingspan dropping back in those underneath zones, you see him close the distance between himself and the ball carrier really well in those sideline-to-sideline situations.” Michigan’s efforts, combined with their past success in flipping top recruits, could turn the tide in this high-stakes recruitment.
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Hugh Freeze’s Crossroads: A Major Test for Auburn’s Recruiting Future
Here’s where things get tricky for Hugh Freeze. Toodle has already publicly voiced his admiration for Coach Freeze, praising him for revitalizing the Auburn program and turning it back into a national championship contender. He committed to Auburn, leaving powerhouse programs like Miami, Ohio State, South Carolina, and Texas A&M in his rearview mirror. He felt at home in Auburn and saw his future unfolding in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Yet, with Michigan knocking on his door and official visits on the horizon, Toodle is reevaluating his future, keeping the door ajar for other opportunities. The question looms: Will Freeze be able to hold onto his prized linebacker?
Toodle’s June 13th visit to Auburn could very well be the tipping point that decides this saga. Will Auburn’s atmosphere, combined with their improving 2026 class, keep him in the fold, or will the allure of Michigan’s history and success prove too much to resist? One thing is for sure—Hugh Freeze cannot afford to let this recruitment spiral out of control. Auburn’s entire defensive strategy in the coming years could hinge on this one recruit.
Auburn’s Promising 2026 Class: A Silver Lining for Freeze
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Shadarius Toodle, Auburn is far from crumbling. Their 2026 recruiting class remains one of the strongest in the nation, ranked No. 2 in the Southeastern Conference and No. 7 nationally, and the Tigers recently secured a commitment from fellow 4-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett. Losing Toodle would be a significant blow, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. There are plenty of other talented recruits ready to step in and continue to build the foundation of a dominant Auburn defense.
That being said, Toodle’s loss would certainly sting. His skills are rare, his potential is immense, and his $127 million in NIL potential makes him a prized asset. Freeze has his work cut out for him in keeping Toodle’s commitment intact, but he must also remain focused on the bigger picture—the future of Auburn’s football program is too bright to be overshadowed by one player’s decision.
What’s Next for Auburn’s Recruiting War?
As this recruitment continues to unfold, the next few months will be crucial. Will Shadarius Toodle remain loyal to Hugh Freeze and his vision for Auburn, or will Michigan’s aggressive push lure him away? The battle lines are drawn, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With official visits scheduled, the drama of Shadarius Toodle’s recruitment is only just beginning. Auburn, Michigan, and a host of other schools are vying for his services—and only one will emerge victorious.
Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers will need to pull out all the stops if they want to keep their linebacker, but in today’s NIL-driven recruiting world, anything can happen. Stay tuned—this is one recruitment story that promises to deliver twists, turns, and plenty of drama. Will Auburn hold strong, or will Michigan snatch their star player right out from under their noses? The clock is ticking.
