The Tigers move 2026 VR from Alabama into the Iron Bowl mix

Auburn football made a big statement on National Signing Day, flipping 2026 wide receiver Alabama’s Brian Williams Jr. will join the Tigers’ roster in just a few days following a 27-20 Iron Bowl loss to the Crimson Tide (h/t Hayes Favcett of Rivals).

The arrival of new head coach Alex Golesh at Auburn convinced Williams, a 6-foot-1, 190-pounder from First Academy in Orlando, to switch his commitment from the Crimson Tide, where he pledged in July 2025.

Williams, rated a three-star prospect in the 247Sports composite rankings, is listed as the No. 149 wide receiver nationally and No. 112 in Florida. Throughout his high school career, he has shown consistent production and big-play ability.

He finished his senior campaign with 34 receptions for 555 yards and seven touchdowns. During his junior year at Lake Mary, he added 23 catches for 359 yards and five touchdowns despite missing several games due to injury. His frame and athleticism make him comparable to Auburn’s Cam Coleman, who led the Tigers last season with 725 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Williams’ decision to join Auburn gives Goles his first major recruiting boost against Alabama. In addition to Williams, Auburn secured several other notable additions to its 2026 class, including 3-star receiver DeSean Spencer (committed from Duke) and 4-star defensive lineman Tavian Branch (from Penn State).

Williams became the 14th player to sign with Auburn during the early signing period, with three other prospects verbal. As a result of these signings, Auburn’s class now ranks 35th nationally and ninth in the SEC, a significant jump from the low 70s prior to Golesch’s arrival.

Williams excels as an outside receiver with length, agility and quickness that make him a matchup problem. Although his production on the field was steady in high school, his physical attributes point to a high ceiling. Using quick bursts and precise footwork, he creates separation in coverage, making him a likely perennial performer at the Power Four level.