The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers have one of the most bitter rivalries in all of college football. The teams probably don’t need more reasons to dislike each other, but that is exactly what happened when a 2024 five-star recruit decided to flip his commitment decision from Alabama to Auburn.
Five-star wide receiver prospect Perry Thompson is listed as the No. 4 prospect at his position in the class of 2024 and the No. 14 overall prospect by 247 Sports.
He originally committed to Alabama in June, but officially flipped on his commitment with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze in attendance on Saturday.
“For the next three to four years, I will be at Auburn University,” said Thompson as the pro-Auburn crowd in attendance erupted in celebration.
The moment that 5⭐️ WR Perry Thompson, one of four 5⭐️ recruits in Alabama in the 2024 cycle, flipped from Alabama to Auburn.
Hugh Freeze got thrown into the pool right after 😲pic.twitter.com/edmemlvpiy
— 247Sports (@247Sports) July 29, 2023
Everyone around Thompson then hilariously began to mob him alongside Hugh Freeze, and they all decided to throw Freeze in the pool where the announcement was taking place.
Fans on social media were certainly surprised by the change of heart, but loved the celebration that ended in Freeze getting picked up and thrown in the pool.
Yeeted him into the pool 😭😭😭 https://t.co/b6CCDPPoQh
— John (@My600DollarVenm) July 29, 2023
Auburn back recruiting at the level I grew up accustomed to. This is normal. https://t.co/Aswkp2zIrX
— Meaux (@mo5irby) July 29, 2023
Hugh Freeze makes an awfully big splash 👀👀👀 https://t.co/ntZ0XB4TvD
— Tyler Smith (@tsmitty949) July 29, 2023
I f…ing love it! I am getting excited again about AU football. #WarEagle https://t.co/2QgCbc7MWi
— Smitty and his midlife crisis (@smittyAu48) July 29, 2023
THE 🥶🥶🥶 EFFECT‼️ https://t.co/ewamBQAoa7
— Dakota Florenz, M.B.A. (@DakotaFlorenz) July 29, 2023
Auburn is always going to be Alabama’s natural rival, but the two teams have not been comparable whatsoever when it comes to producing on the football field.
The Tigers have failed to produce a winning team on the field in each of the last two seasons, and first-year head coach Hugh Freeze will have his hands full trying to turn this program around.
It may seem like an uphill battle for Freeze, but bringing in a player like Thompson and taking him away from Alabama in the process is certainly a great start.
