The Auburn Tigers, under the direction of head coach Hugh Freeze, are turning up the heat on the recruiting trail as the summer official visit window heats up. With momentum building around the program and the future of Auburn football being shaped day by day, there is no position group drawing more intense focus than running back. Freeze and his staff understand that in the cutthroat world of SEC football, an elite running game is essential—and they are sparing no effort to ensure that the Tigers land some of the best ball-carriers in the 2025 class. Over the past few weeks, a wave of highly rated running backs have either visited or are scheduled to visit the Plains, and the message from Auburn is loud and clear: They’re ready to make a statement in the SEC, and they want the nation’s top backs to be a part of it.
Auburn’s recent recruiting efforts at the running back position reflect both urgency and ambition. The program knows what it means to have an identity rooted in a physical, downhill rushing attack, and Hugh Freeze—despite his reputation for high-flying offenses—is fully embracing that tradition. Auburn fans know that some of the program’s most iconic names came from the backfield: Bo Jackson, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, Ronnie Brown, Kerryon Johnson, and Tank Bigsby are just a few. And now, the Tigers are actively working to identify and secure the next great name to add to that storied list.
Freeze has made it a top priority to build the kind of offensive line that can dominate up front, but he also understands the importance of having dynamic runners who can break games wide open. That’s why the staff has zeroed in on multiple four- and five-star running backs across the Southeast and beyond. The visits over the next few weeks will be critical. Official visits offer Auburn a chance not just to show off its facilities, academic support, and family-like atmosphere, but also to present its vision for the future. With a revamped offense taking shape and real playing time potentially available for incoming freshmen, the opportunity being offered to elite running backs is as real as it gets.
One of the top names on Auburn’s board is Jamarion Parker, a five-star out of St. Louis, Missouri. At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Parker is a complete back with speed, vision, power, and the ability to contribute in the passing game. He’s been pursued by Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas—but Auburn is right in the mix. Parker visited earlier this spring, and sources indicate the Tigers made a strong impression. Now, they’re working to get him back for an official visit in June. Freeze and running backs coach Cadillac Williams have been relentless in their communication with Parker, selling both the opportunity for early playing time and the chance to be the centerpiece of an offense that wants to run the football with authority. Williams, one of the most respected position coaches in the SEC and a living Auburn legend, has built a real rapport with Parker, and that connection could be a deciding factor if Auburn makes a late push.
Another major target is four-star runner Isaiah West from the state of Georgia. Auburn has had strong recruiting ties in Georgia for decades, and West has emerged as one of the top priorities for this cycle. West is a compact, powerful back who thrives between the tackles but also has the burst to hit the edge and explode into the second level. Auburn sees West as a player who fits perfectly in their evolving offensive scheme—a north-south runner who can keep the chains moving and wear down defenses. West visited campus earlier this year and is expected to return for an official visit in mid-June. The Tigers are battling South Carolina, Florida, and Kentucky for his signature, but there’s growing confidence inside the Auburn program that their pitch is starting to resonate.
Beyond Parker and West, Auburn is also keeping close tabs on Malik Spencer, a dynamic, game-breaking back from Texas who has been lighting up 7-on-7 circuits and spring showcases. Spencer brings a different skill set to the table—more of a home-run hitter who can score from anywhere on the field. His tape shows flashes of Alvin Kamara, and the Auburn staff has made it clear they envision him as a weapon who can line up all over the formation. While Spencer has several official visits scheduled—including stops at Oregon and Texas A&M—he has made it known that Auburn is a school he’s watching closely. The relationship between Spencer and the Tigers’ offensive staff has grown in recent months, and Freeze is hoping that once Spencer steps foot on campus, the program’s vision for him becomes undeniable.
The pursuit of elite backs is also being bolstered by Auburn’s work in the trenches. Freeze has already secured multiple blue-chip commitments on the offensive line in recent classes, and the pitch to running backs now includes real proof that Auburn is building an offensive front capable of opening holes and controlling the line of scrimmage. That’s not just a talking point—it’s a foundational element of Freeze’s rebuild. Top recruits want to know that they’ll have the support they need to succeed, and Auburn is making the case that the pieces are falling into place.
Auburn’s pitch to running backs also includes a heavy dose of history and culture. Players visiting the Plains are reminded of the tradition that defines the program—how the running back position has always been central to Auburn’s identity. Cadillac Williams, who ran for over 3,800 yards in his Auburn career and was a first-round NFL draft pick, is a walking testament to what’s possible when elite talent meets the right environment. Recruits respond to his authenticity, and he remains one of the most important assets the program has in closing deals with top backs.
There is also a noticeable difference in Auburn’s recruiting energy under Freeze compared to previous regimes. The staff is attacking the process with urgency, strategy, and cohesion. That’s especially evident in how they’ve approached this running back class. Rather than casting a wide net and hoping for the best, Auburn has identified specific targets early, built real relationships, and crafted individualized pitches. It’s not just about selling playing time—it’s about selling the full Auburn experience, from the family atmosphere to the chance to leave a legacy.
And legacy is something Auburn isn’t shying away from. When players come to visit, they walk past statues of Heisman winners, meet with alumni, and hear directly from current players who believe the program is on the rise. The Tigers are being upfront about where they’ve been, but even more insistent about where they’re going. The goal is clear: get back to competing for SEC titles and College Football Playoff berths. To do that, they need game-changers in the backfield.
The Tigers also know they must fend off some of the biggest names in the sport to land these backs. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida, and Tennessee are all actively recruiting many of the same prospects. But Auburn is betting that their pitch, their staff, and their track record will be enough to turn heads and earn commitments when it counts. Freeze has made it clear that Auburn isn’t backing down from anyone on the trail—and that includes their biggest rivals.
As the summer unfolds, Auburn fans will have a close eye on the official visit schedule. With so many top targets expected to be on campus in June, it’s a critical stretch for Freeze and company. The opportunity is there to land a cornerstone player—or even two—for the offense. If they succeed, it could mark a major turning point in Auburn’s recruiting trajectory under Freeze.
What makes this push so important is that running backs often serve as tone-setters in a recruiting class. Landing a five-star back sends a message to other offensive skill players that Auburn is serious about putting together an elite unit. It also helps attract more linemen, quarterbacks, and receivers who want to be part of a balanced, explosive offense. There’s a reason why Auburn’s staff is going all-in on this group—they know what it could mean not just for this season, but for the next several years.
Recruiting is always about timing, relationships, and momentum. Right now, Auburn has a chance to capitalize on all three. Freeze’s message is resonating with players and families. The visits are coming. And if things go well, the Tigers could end up with one of the top running back classes in the country. There’s still a long way to go, and plenty of twists and turns are sure to come. But one thing is certain: Auburn isn’t waiting for success to find them. They’re going after it—and they’re starting with the guys who will carry the rock.
The next few weeks will be telling. Commitments may not come immediately, but the impressions made during these official visits will shape decisions in the fall. Hugh Freeze is betting on himself, his staff, and the Auburn brand to deliver. And if the Tigers can finish strong, the rest of the SEC will be put on notice: the Auburn backfield is about to get very crowded—and very dangerous.
