BREAKING: Three-star offensive lineman Nikau Hepi has just announced his decommitment from the Auburn Tigers football program, marking a significant setback for the team’s 2026 recruiting class. Hepi’s decision comes just one day after the hiring of head coach Alex Golesh, who currently faces challenges in maintaining commitments from recruits.
In a statement shared on X, Hepi expressed his concerns:
“After careful consideration, I have decided to DE-COMMIT from Auburn due to the coaching change. I’m looking forward to finding the best school and coaches for my development.”
This announcement follows a wave of departures, with Hepi becoming the third player to withdraw his commitment since Golesh’s introduction.
Originally from New Zealand, Hepi committed to Auburn on June 24, 2023, after impressing at a recruiting camp. Now training at the NFL Academy Asia-Pacific in Australia, he is ranked as the No. 716 overall player in the 2026 class and the 63rd-best offensive tackle by 247Sports. His departure leaves Auburn with only 10 players currently committed to their 2026 class, increasing pressure on the coaching staff as the early signing period approaches in less than 48 hours.
The loss of Hepi is a significant blow for Auburn, which is already grappling with instability during this coaching transition. The Tigers are in urgent need of securing recruits to build a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons. With the early signing period looming, the stakes could not be higher for Golesh and his team.
As Auburn navigates these recent challenges, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching for further developments in the recruiting landscape. Will Golesh be able to stabilize the situation and attract new talent? The countdown to the signing period has officially begun, and the upcoming days will be critical for Auburn football.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.
