4-star linebacker Elijah Melendez commits to the Auburn Tigers

It was a week of anticipation for the Auburn football program. All eyes were on the quarterbacks all week until head coach Hugh Freeze announced redshirt freshman Hank Brown would start in favor of Payton Thorne against the New Mexico Lobos.

The Tigers were coming off a rough loss to Cal on their home turf and looking to leave the game in the rearview mirror with a new QB1, and fans were eager to see Brown’s starting debut in orange and blue.

But the game wasn’t the only exciting part of the weekend. Earlier in the day, 4-star linebacker Elijah Melendez announced his commitment to the Tigers. From Kissimmee, Florida, Melendez is ranked as the #17 linebacker in the recruiting class of 2025 and the #23 recruit out of the Sunshine State.

Melendez originally committed to the in-state Miami Hurricanes in December of 2023, but the Tigers continued their recruitment throughout the year and the work paid off with Melendez’s decommitment at the end of August and his commitment to Freeze and Auburn football on Saturday. He visited the Plains this weekend and announced his pledge prior to kickoff against New Mexico.

The defining factor in the linebacker’s recruitment has been the relationship he has built with Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin.

“Really feels like family here and I wanted to play in the SEC,” Melendez said, per Auburn Rivals. “I feel like I got a real good shot at getting developed and getting to the NFL from Auburn and playing with Coach Durkin.”

Despite the trouble on defense, Melendez was impressed by quarterback Hank Brown’s debut in Jordan-Hare Stadium and the team’s win. When asked if he plans to visit other schools, Melendez confirmed that his recruitment is officially shut down.