Nation’s No. 2 WR Commits to SEC Powerhouse With Coach on Hot Seat

Nation’s No. 2 WR Commits to SEC Powerhouse With Coach on Hot Seat originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Auburn Tigers enter the upcoming campaign with one of the most talented receiving tandems in the nation. Jase Mathews will look to keep that standard in seasons to come, committing to Hugh Freeze’s program on Friday evening.

Mathews is tabbed as the No. 13 receiver in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Rivals rates Mathews more highly, at No. 2, ahead of Clemson commit Naaem Burroughs (No. 3) and Alabama pledge Cederian Morgan (No. 4).

“BREAKING: Elite 2026 WR Jase Mathews has Committed to Auburn, he tells me for @rivals,” Hayes Fawcett wrote on X. “The No. 2 WR in the ’26 Class chose the Tigers over Texas A&M, LSU, & Ole Miss. ‘Can’t wait until I meet my full potential! WAR EAGLE’”

Mathews racked up 68 receptions for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns last season at Greene County (Miss.) High School. He could have joined Tristen Keys (247Sports’ No. 1 receiver) and Jabari Mack (No. 7) in Baton Rouge, but instead will follow the lead of Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr.

“Dynamic slot receiver who wins with outstanding short area quickness and route creativity that also possesses a (flair) for the occasional acrobatic catch or two every Friday night,” 247Sports national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna wrote in a scouting report. “Not just a clean route runner, Mathews displays a high level of open field creativity as a runner, showing the ability to make defenders miss.”

Auburn has the No. 14-rated recruiting class in the SEC, according to 247Sports.

Related: Jackson Arnold Names Major Requirement Auburn Had For Transfers

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.