INSANITY: Auburn Football, Alex Golesh Pursuit Of Will Mencl Is A WILD Ride
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This episode of Locked On Auburn dives deep into the high-stakes recruiting battle for five-star quarterback Will Menzel, with hosts Zach Blackerby and Brian Smith analyzing Auburn's position against Oregon and Penn State. The discussion highlights the unprecedented pressure on Menzel, who holds the leverage in a recruitment that feels like 'musical chairs' due to the depth of talent and shifting dynamics. Auburn’s offensive fit for Menzel—particularly his mobility and RPO prowess—is emphasized, but the hosts acknowledge the uncertainty around his decision, especially given Oregon’s strong history with him and the competitive quarterback room there. If Menzel doesn’t commit, the conversation shifts to Auburn’s contingency plans: pursuing a portal quarterback with production over raw talent, potentially targeting players like Lenora Sellers, or even opting to develop a raw athlete from the roster. The episode also touches on the broader recruiting landscape, including Caden Fyfe’s visit and Auburn’s efforts to land top in-state defensive talent despite commitments elsewhere. The hosts stress that panic isn’t warranted yet, as the recruiting window remains open through mid-June, and the financial incentives behind visits continue to shape the process.
Will Menzel holds all the leverage in his recruitment, with Auburn, Oregon, and Penn State all in contention.
Auburn’s offense is a perfect fit for Menzel’s mobile, RPO-oriented style, but comfort and relationships with coaches may be the deciding factor.
If Menzel doesn’t commit, Auburn is likely to pursue a high-production portal quarterback rather than a five-star with limited eligibility.
The recruiting process is now heavily influenced by NIL and visit compensation, delaying commitments until late spring.
Auburn’s depth at quarterback is uncertain, but they have viable options in redshirt freshmen and could pivot to a developmental athlete if needed.
The Will Menzel Recruitment Wild Ride
“If he wanted to go to Oregon and Oregon was as clear of a front runner as it seemed like for a chunk of this recruitment process with the NIL and the ability to bag drop and say, Hey, let's go ahead and commit. I feel like you'd already be there.”
Contingency Planning If Menzel Goes Elsewhere
“I would prefer to have Will Mensel. I want to be very clear on that. But if they don't get it, I think there's plenty of other avenues to get a quarterback because you're still going to have to probably get a portal quarterback this off season anyway.”
The Financial & Timing Reality of Modern Recruiting
The hosts break down how NIL deals, paid visits, and delayed commitments are reshaping the recruiting timeline, making it difficult for fans and coaches to track progress until late spring.
Caden Fyfe & In-State Defensive Talent
The conversation shifts to Caden Fyfe, a four-star defensive lineman from Georgia who visited Auburn and placed them in his top three despite being committed to Tennessee. The hosts praise his physicality and potential impact.
The Portal as a Strategic Tool
“If he could have been drafted going in, like at the end of the previous season, not last season, but the season before where like he looked good. He would have been a top five pick. Like it would have been Anthony Richardson all over again.”
“If he could have been drafted going in, like at the end of the previous season, not last season, but the season before where like he looked good. He would have been a top five pick. Like it would have been Anthony Richardson all over again.”
“I would prefer to have Will Mensel. I want to be very clear on that. But if they don't get it, I think there's plenty of other avenues to get a quarterback because you're still going to have to probably get a portal quarterback this off season anyway.”
“If he wanted to go to Oregon and Oregon was as clear of a front runner as it seemed like for a chunk of this recruitment process with the NIL and the ability to bag drop and say, Hey, let's go ahead and commit. I feel like you'd already be there.”
Hosts
Brian Smith
person
Zach Blackerby
person
Will Menzel
person
Auburn Tigers
other
Oregon Ducks
other
Penn State Nittany Lions
other
Alex Golesh
person
Caden Fyfe
person
Lenora Sellers
person
FanDuel
brand
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