INSANITY: Auburn Football, Alex Golesh Pursuit Of Will Mencl Is A WILD Ride

Locked On Auburn - Daily Podcast On Auburn Tigers Football & Basketball23mApril 9, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

Will Menzel holds all the leverage in his recruitment, with Auburn, Oregon, and Penn State all in contention.

2

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.

3

If Menzel doesn’t commit, Auburn is likely to pursue a high-production portal quarterback rather than a five-star with limited eligibility.

4

The recruiting process is now heavily influenced by NIL and visit compensation, delaying commitments until late spring.

5

Auburn’s depth at quarterback is uncertain, but they have viable options in redshirt freshmen and could pivot to a developmental athlete if needed.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

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.

Highlight
10:00
7 min

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.

Highlight
17:00
6 min

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.

23:00
3 min

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.

26:00
3 min

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.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
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.
Brian Smith17:07
Viral: 92.0
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.
Zach Blackerby14:14
Viral: 88.0
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.
Brian Smith6:54
Viral: 85.0

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