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In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star quarterback Eli Thompson, the nation’s No. 3 signal-caller in the Class of 2026, announced his surprise flip from Alabama to Auburn — at 12:01 a.m., no less. The midnight commitment came via a simple post on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m coming home. War Eagle 🦅🔥.”

The announcement ignited the internet, catching even recruiting insiders off guard. Thompson, who had been firmly committed to Alabama for over eight months, made an official visit to Auburn over the weekend. Many assumed it was just a courtesy trip — until Auburn fans woke up to the news that the Tigers had just landed one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation.

“It Just Felt Right”

Speaking exclusively to On3 Sports, Thompson explained the emotional decision that led to his dramatic flip.

> “Auburn just felt different,” Thompson said. “When I walked into Jordan-Hare, it didn’t feel like I was visiting — it felt like I was home. The coaches, the players, the energy… I couldn’t shake it. I knew that’s where I wanted to be.”

Thompson cited his connection with head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive coordinator Kent Austin as the main reasons behind his change of heart. “Coach Freeze believes in me not just as a player, but as a person. That means everything,” he added.

The Recruitment Battle

Thompson’s recruitment was a rollercoaster from the start. A product of Buford High School in Georgia, he burst onto the national scene as a sophomore, drawing comparisons to Trevor Lawrence for his poise and precision. Alabama seemed to have locked him up early, beating out Georgia, Ohio State, and LSU — until Auburn re-entered the race this fall.

Behind the scenes, Auburn’s staff reportedly never stopped recruiting Thompson, even after his Crimson Tide pledge. Sources close to the program said the Tigers’ message was simple: “You can lead this rebuild. You can be the face of Auburn football.”

That pitch clearly resonated.

Social Media Explosion

Within minutes of his announcement, Thompson’s post had over 1 million views. Auburn fans flooded the comments with “War Eagle” chants and celebration emojis, while Alabama fans voiced their shock — and frustration. Recruiting analysts quickly labeled it one of the biggest flips of the 2026 class so far.

Even current Auburn players joined the celebration. Freshman wideout Caleb Burton reposted Thompson’s commitment with the caption, “We’re building something scary in Auburn.”

What It Means for Auburn

For Hugh Freeze, this commitment could be a defining moment. Auburn has been quietly stacking talent since his arrival, but landing a top-three quarterback nationally signals something bigger: Auburn is back in the national recruiting fight.

Thompson is expected to enroll early next January, giving him a full spring to compete for the starting job. And if his confidence matches his talent, the Tigers might have just found their next superstar under center.

As Thompson put it best:

> “Some things you just know. Auburn isn’t just where I’m playing — it’s where I belong.”