AUBURN, AL — The Auburn Tigers are making waves in the 2026 quarterback recruiting cycle, hosting two of Georgia’s top signal-callers—Travis Burgess and Brodie McWhorter—during a pivotal weekend of visits. With head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff intensifying their pursuit, the Tigers aim to secure a franchise-changing quarterback to fuel their long-term SEC ambitions.
Travis Burgess: Auburn’s Prime Target
Standing at 6’5” and 205 pounds, Travis Burgess (Loganville Grayson HS) has solidified himself as a cornerstone of Auburn’s 2026 plans. Ranked the No. 65 overall prospect nationally and No. 27 in Georgia (247Sports), the state championship-winning quarterback has visited campus multiple times since receiving his offer in December.
Burgess’s recent trip included deep dives into Auburn’s system:
- Film Sessions: Observed QB coach Austin Kent’s teaching style and offensive scheme.
- Practice Insight: Watched drills and connected with current Tigers QBs post-practice.
- Coaching Bond: “The time around the coaches was awesome,” Burgess told Prospect Radar. “I can’t wait to get back for my official visit.”
Despite interest from North Carolina and Wisconsin, Auburn’s personalized pitch—and future official visit plans—positions them as the frontrunner.
Brodie McWhorter: Decision Day Looms
Four-star Brodie McWhorter (Kingston Cass HS) brings urgency to Auburn’s QB hunt. The 6’2”, 195-pound prospect (No. 170 nationally) has set a May 15 commitment date, making his Auburn visit critical.
Key takeaways from McWhorter’s visit:
- Scheme Fit: “Their offense fits my game,” McWhorter said, comparing it to his high school system.
- Coach Connection: Praised QB coach Austin Kent and assistant Jesse Stone for emphasizing his “competitiveness.”
- Competition: Mississippi State, Colorado, and Indiana remain in play, but Auburn’s SEC appeal is a heavyweight factor.
Why Auburn’s QB Pursuit Matters
Securing a top 2026 quarterback is central to Hugh Freeze’s blueprint for competing with Georgia and Alabama. The Tigers’ strategy mirrors the SEC’s elite:
- Recruiting Ripple Effect: Elite QBs attract skill-position talent, as seen with USC’s recent success.
- Development Focus: Both Burgess and McWhorter highlighted Auburn’s coaching depth and schematic clarity.
- Timing: With McWhorter’s decision nearing, Auburn could lock in a cornerstone before summer.
