Youngest player in college football takes on starting role as Auburn center
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“Did you know Ryan Williams is just 17 years old?”
That was said so much during the 2024 season that it became a running joke across the country. It was clearly impressive what the Alabama standout receiver accomplished in his freshman season but now, Auburn has a 17-year-old player of their own to get excited about.
Keep reading to meet Kail Ellis, the youngest player at the top level of college football + learn more about his role with the Tigers.
Kail Ellis
Kail Ellis was ranked as a top-5 center in the Class of 2025 by both ESPN and Rivals. He was the third-highest rated offensive lineman recruit in Hugh Freeze’s latest recruiting class, which ranked top 10 in the country.
Ellis, a 17-year-old freshman, is now the youngest player at the FBS level after reclassifying, skipping his senior year + graduating from high school early.
“I felt like I didn’t have anything else to gain in high school. To get under an SEC lifting program, an SEC O-line coach (Jake Thornton) who I think is the best in the country and especially get behind Connor for a year. I had in mind to learn under his wings.”
Kail Ellis
Ellis is already listed at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds but he won’t turn 18 until April. He got his first playing time in a backup role against Ball State but now he’s starting for the Tigers in the thick of the SEC schedule after a season-ending injury to Connor Lew.
“It’s huge having that trust from the coaches to go in and compete. It’s very valuable. For the long run, it’s going to help me tremendously. That’s going to be huge for my future to keep pressing on with my teammates.”
Ellis will get his first home start this Saturday when Auburn takes on Kentucky, looking to win two-straight games for the first time in more than a month.
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