Auburn lands a commitment from 2026 4-star LB JaMichael Garrett: 'Everything about Auburn stands out'

LSU gave him a lot to think about, but 2026 linebacker JaMichael Garrett has decided to stay home and commit to Auburn.

“Everything about Auburn stands out,” Garrett told On3. “I grew up an Alabama, so it is kind of weird committing to that rival school. Coach DJ Durkin and coach Crime (Wesley McGriff) did a great job creating relationships with me and my family. Auburn didn’t just recruit me, but my family and I want to be part of that brotherhood there.

“Everything says yes about Auburn for me. The coaches have been great, I am always treated well there and I love it. I am an in-state kid and Auburn is going to develop me, help with my brand and it just felt right to commit to them.”

This feeling didn’t just happen overnight. Auburn was the first SEC school to offer Garrett and that immediately put them high on his list.

“I fell in love with Auburn right after I visited last season. I was there for a game, it was electric and I knew I loved it there. The fans are the best, they create a great environment and from that point, Auburn has been my top school.

“I kept going back, I got to know the coaches and I kept feeling good about Auburn. The coaches welcome me every visit, they recruited me hard from the start and my feelings for Auburn were strong from the beginning.”

Garrett is a fan of Hugh Freeze

Garrett loves the people on the Plains. He feels comfortable with the players and the coaches. The No. 124 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking can’t wait to play in front of Auburn fans at Jordan-Hare Stadium and he thinks he will be playing in some big games.

“Coach Freeze is bringing Auburn back,” Garrett said. “He signed a great class in 2024, he is putting one together in 2025 and we are off to a great start in 2026. Coach Freeze will keep getting great players because he is easy to relate to. He is not acting all Hollywood, he is easy to talk to and he cares so much about his players and the program.

“As a coach, he can do some great things. Auburn is just getting better and better. Under coach Freeze, Auburn will be a national championship contender soon. They are going to build this year and I believe in Auburn with coach Freeze and the staff coaching the players.”