2025 CB Shamar Arnoux flips to Auburn from USC: ‘Auburn has always felt like home’

The first school Carrollton (Ga.) three-star cornerback Shamar Arnoux ever visited was Auburn. He is close with former Tigers Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton and “always had a good feeling” about Auburn, who has been on his radar since he was in seventh grade. 

Arnoux first committed to Tennessee before backing off that pledge and choosing USC. However, Auburn never gave up on the 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back and has consistently made him feel like a priority. These efforts paid off for head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff, as Arnoux flipped to the Tigers from the Trojans. 

“Auburn has always felt like home,” Arnoux told On3. “I get a great vibe from the coaches. Auburn is one of those places that has a small-town togetherness. The whole community supports the football team. It gives you a magical feeling.” 

Aubrn believes he can play early at Auburn

Arnoux, who has visited The Plains “a lot,” has attended two Tigers games this fall and went to Auburn’s campus in the summer as well. Playing college football close to his family played a role in his decision, as Carrollton is roughly an hour-and-a-half away from Auburn. 

The Tigers are 3-6 this season, yet Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is one of the best in the country. Arnoux is now a part of it and the No. 60 player in Georgia believes big things are ahead for Freeze and Co. 

“What separates Auburn from other schools is the depth chart and the roster because there is an opportunity to play there,” said Arnoux, the No. 452 overall prospect and No. 43 cornerback in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “I’m also the type of person that wants to be a part of something. Some people may not realize it, but if you look at the structure of Auburn’s program, it is a quarterback away from being a contender in the SEC. They have all the pieces around that position. The defense stands up strong and I want to be a part of it.”

Arnoux is confident that he will be a strong addition to Auburn’s secondary. He believes he can be a key contributor shortly after he arrives on campus. 

“They have expectations of me playing early there,” Arnoux said. “It doesn’t feel like recruiters telling you what you want to hear to get on campus. It’s more of a genuine feeling.”

Auburn’s coaching staff is confident in Arnoux

Arnoux has grown close with Freeze and cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff throughout his recruitment. The talented defender likes how Auburn’s head man is an offensive-minded coach who wants to improve the Tigers’ defense with players like him.

Freeze is also truthful with Arnoux. That greatly stands out to the Peach State native. 

“I like how he has an open-door policy and he’s honest,” Arnoux said. “That’s the biggest thing about coach Freeze to me. He’s not trying to sell me on a dream. He tells me how he feels. A while back, he came and said to me, ‘These are the doubts we have about you.’ Then, after this season, he said that, ‘With what you’ve been doing, you’re showing us that you’re our guy and we’re all the way in on you.’” 

McGriff has also built a strong bond with Arnoux. The three-star FaceTimed the Auburn assistant last night and told him, along with the entire Tigers’ staff, that he was flipping to the SEC program. 

“He’s been going to bat for me since we met,” Arnoux said. “I feel like by committing to Auburn, coach McGriff is getting his guy in the DB room. I don’t feel like a secondary option. I feel like me committing to Auburn is giving the defensive staff who they wanted in this class.” 

Arnoux also expressed high praise of Auburn’s fanbase. He is now set to play in front of them at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturdays in the future. 

“The game day environment is great and the eagle soaring is awesome to see,” Arnoux said. “I love it.”