Nelson Likes The Southern Culture At Auburn

Deacon Nelson SS / OF / University School, OH / 2026

TWINSBURG - “The first school I ever talked to” ended up being the right spot for Deacon Nelson.

Auburn will be the future home for the 33rd-ranked 2026 shortstop in the country, who had previously committed to Virginia back in 2022, but had a change of heart after the coaching staff left for Mississippi State.

“I didn’t uncommit right away,” the University School incoming senior reflected. “When I saw the Duke coaches come over I was excited, but I decided I wanted to reopen and talk to a couple of schools I had in mind. I focused on a few of them.”

That was a month ago, with Virginia, Mississippi State, Auburn and Vanderbilt “the main four” being considered by the sixth-rated 2026 in Ohio.

“Auburn reached out, came and watched me play in Georgia and I went on a visit,” Nelson explained. “The coaching staff really stood out. They’re great men and great people. It’s the SEC. They have great facilities and the atmosphere in the community around Auburn is awesome. I like the southern culture.”

Still, the decision was far from easy for the 6-0 183-pounder, who helped his high school reach the Division III state championship game this year.

“I talked to my parents,” Nelson related. “It was a hard choice. Virginia is a great spot, Mississippi State is a great spot with the coaches there and I had planned to visit Vanderbilt. I felt I couldn’t go wrong.

“But I felt Auburn was the best fit. It checked all the boxes. There were no negatives in the pros-and-cons list. I made my decision two days later.”

Auburn sees the 17-year-old having a bright future at the university located in the state of Alabama, 12 hours from home.

“As a person I fit what they’re looking for,” Nelson explained. “As a player they feel I have the skill set to compete at the highest level. They like that I’m a left-handed hitter and I can play three infield and all three outfield positions. When I’m trying to win a spot, there will be a couple of options for me. But I think my bat is my best tool.”

The chance to play in the Southeastern Conference was important according to the 141st-ranked incoming senior in the nation.

“I’d always dreamed about playing in the SEC and seeing how far I could go in baseball,” Nelson noted. “The opportunity to play in the SEC is a dream come true. But the work continues. That’s what I’m excited about.”

Prep Baseball helped the cause in making it a reality.

“When I originally committed (with Virginia) the Junior Future Games helped get my name out there,” Nelson explained. “I did the ProCase this winter and that helped get my numbers out. Prep Baseball does a good job helping not only me but other players.

“My parents (Brian and Sara Nelson) were also big. They put so much time and money into my baseball. They do an amazing job and my brothers (Jack, 16, and Cade, 13) as well. They pushed me and gave a lot of support.”

Being uncommitted for just a short time was of no worry in the eyes of Nelson.

“I play the same no matter the situation,” the second-ranked 2026 shortstop in Ohio said. “When I decommitted I knew I had options and that I wasn’t putting myself into a risky situation.”

A great feeling was the result.

“Baseball is my main thing,” Nelson explained. “To see all the hard work paying off is awesome. I’m really excited about this and the coaches are excited as well. I know what I can do. I feel I can come in, do my absolute best and be ready to play right away. I’m a guy that will step up as a leader. It’s a big program but I’m a competitor and feel I’ll be able to thrive.”

Nelson, who carries a 3.82 GPA at University School and is undecided on a college major, is excited about what lies ahead in college.

“I have a buddy on my travel team that’s committed there and he’s getting me into the southern culture,” pointed out Nelson, who lists fishing as one thing he is looking forward to doing. “The football and basketball programs are awesome and they have some big-time rivalries in Georgia and Alabama.

“The city is awesome, too,” Nelson added. “While going south, I noticed the people are really nice there. I’m excited to be part of it.”