Auburn makes late addition to 2026 class with OL Bear McWhorter

Bear McWhorter was all set to be a Michigan Man, becoming the Wolverines first signee of the 2026 class early in the morning of National Signing Day.

How things can change in just a few weeks.

McWhorter requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with the Wolverines on December 12 and has now committed to Auburn just a short time later. The Douglasville (Ga.) native asked to be let out of his signing after the dismissal of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, who helped the lead the charge in his recruitment.

“In light of recent events, I’ve made the very difficult decision to withdraw my NLI,” he said in announcing his decision to leave the Wolverines’ class. “I’m grateful to the staff at UM for everything they’ve done.”

Several programs reached out to him, but a pre-existing relationship with new Auburn coach Alex Golesh from his time at USF helped the Tigers land him.

Golesh and his offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick offered McWhorter back in May of 2023, and the recruitment has now come full circle.

McWhorter is the 19th addition in the 2026 class for the Tigers, who suffered some significant defections with Hugh Freeze’s firing but ultimately held onto the majority of their commits. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder is the No. 609 overall prospect in the cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.

He also ranks as the nation’s No. 58 interior lineman and No. 67 recruit in the Peach State.