Gus Malzahn And UCF Hosting Auburn’s Top Recruit

Auburn commitment takes a look at the UCF Football program

Among Auburn’s 2025 commitments would be one of the nation’s top defensive tackles.

Just down the road from Jordan-Hare Stadium at Opelika (Ala.) High School, Malik Autry is a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds. He’s also the #34 player in the nation according to 247.

Autry is a long-time Auburn commitment with his decision coming back on Feb. 1, 2023. That does not mean he’s not taking visits to make sure the Tigers are the place for him.

He’s currently visiting UCF to check out the Orlando campus and watch the spring game. Former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn is in charge of the program. He’s been the leader of the Knights since 2021.

It is ironic that Malzahn is leading the charge for the Knights to attempt to steal one of Auburn’s commitments. Malzahn’s tenure on the Plains includes a final record of 68-35.

On Dec. 13, 2020, former Auburn athletic director Allen Greene relieved Malzahn of his duties with the following quote from CBS Sports one that many Tigers fans likely still agree with.

"After evaluating the state of the Auburn football program, we've decided that it was time to make a change in leadership." 

Could Malzhan and the Knights flip the Tigers’ top 2025 recruit? Most in the recruiting industry feel Autry is going to sign with Auburn. If he’s taking a visit to see the Knights, it’s also still possible UCF will come away with the eventual upset.