Auburn's 2027 safety haul
James Branch, a three‑star safety from Maryland, announced his commitment to Auburn on Tuesday, becoming the latest addition to the Tigers’ 2027 recruiting class and bringing the total pledges to 26.
A depth chart taking shape
The pledge lifts Auburn to No. 11 in 247Sports’ national rankings for the cycle, where the class carries an average rating of 88.77. Branch joins a cadre of safeties that includes Kynair Crumb, James Pace, Rion Jackson, Chance Gilbert, Nasir Banks and Preston Williams, giving the program a deep pool at the position.
Under the guidance of defensive backs coach Eric Winters, alongside assistants AnQuon Fegans and Kaleb Harris, the group will look to build on the foundation laid by Cedrick Simmons and Jaylon Moore, who sit ahead of Branch in the internal rankings.
The commitment also underscores Auburn’s strategy of stocking the secondary with versatile talent, a plan that could keep the Tigers competitive in the SEC as Texas A&M holds the conference’s top spot with 26 pledges as of July 11.