BIG CAT COMMIT: Class of 2026 4-star LB JaMichael Garrett commits to Auburn
Four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, who is ranked the No. 11 linebacker in the 2026 class, has committed to Auburn.
Garrett, who attends Gulf Shores (Ala.) High School, announced his commitment Saturday at the Tigers’ Big Cat recruiting event. He is the third 2026 recruit to commit to Auburn during Big Cat, joining four-star edge Hezekiah Harris and four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle.
Garrett chose Auburn over LSU, Tennessee, USC and Mississippi State, among many others.
“I love the coaches there,” Garrett told On3. “I spent a couple of days (in the summer) and did some work with Coach DJ Durkin. Got some time around the campus. I get along really well with Coach Durkin, Coach Crime (Wesley McGriff) and Coach Josh Aldridge. They would push me to be the best I can be.
“The brotherhood at Auburn is different from anyone in the nation. It is like my high school team and everyone is close. It just feels good when I am there. Then the networking is great, too. It is a great school to go to get set up for after football.”
Garrett is the fifth commitment in Auburn’s 2026 class, joining Harris, Toodle, four-star wide receiver Denairius Gray and four-star offensive lineman Kail Ellis.
The 2026 class is now ranked No. 1 in the country.
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power on Garrett
“JaMichael Garrett is a high motor, well-coached linebacker. He had a very productive sophomore season at Gulf Shores, notching 26.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He plays with his hair on fire and is a physical finisher at the point of attack.
“Garrett measured in at around 6-foot-0.5, 195 pounds at college camps this summer and has the frame to continue adding weight. He’ll need to keep improving his speed and overall athleticism, but his physicality, effort level and production are what you want at linebacker.”
