After a late effort, the Auburn Tigers will fall short in landing one of the top recruits in the 2026 class. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Maryland commit and edge rusher, has officially shut down his recruitment. He has chosen to remain with the Terrapins and has canceled all previously scheduled official visits.
The star player had planned an official visit to Auburn on June 13, along with trips to Ohio State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Penn State. However, the five-star prospect, who has been committed to Maryland since December, has decided to stay home. A product of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound edge rusher is ranked as the top overall prospect, edge rusher, and Maryland native by On3 Sports. Explaining his decision, Elee stated, “I’m home, no need to explore.”
Elee has received offers from numerous powerhouse programs, including Oregon, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama, and Georgia. Had he flipped his commitment, he would have been Auburn’s first five-star pledge in the 2026 class. Currently, Auburn has commitments from four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star receivers Devin Carter and Denairius Gray, four-star linebackers Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett, and three-star safety Wayne Henry.
The Tigers are coming off a 5-7 season under head coach Hugh Freeze, with their postseason hopes ending in a 28-14 loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Auburn will kick off its third season under Freeze on Aug. 30 against Baylor on the road.