Heading into the 2025 season, Auburn’s running back room is filled with potential and promises. The team has experienced a substantial shift in both talent and strategy over the last few seasons, and the running back position has emerged as one of the focal points of the Tigers’ offense. For Auburn to make significant strides in the SEC this season, the running backs will need to be a vital part of the equation, offering a combination of power, speed, vision, and versatility. The 2025 running back room is shaping up to be an intriguing mix of returnees, new faces, and a deeper level of competition for playing time.
Historically, Auburn has been known for its physical, ground-and-pound running style, built on a strong offensive line and explosive backs who can churn out yardage in bulk. That tradition is not likely to change in 2025, but there are new nuances to the offense and competition within the running back room that could make this season different from others in recent memory.
The 2025 season brings new opportunities for players, and for some, it marks the beginning of a critical season in their college careers. One of the major developments has been the influx of talented recruits who have arrived to bolster the running back position, adding fresh energy and competition. But the battle for starting jobs is far from over, and returning players still hold significant advantages in terms of experience and familiarity with the system.
Auburn’s running back room this season has its blend of varying styles and skill sets. The emergence of multiple playmakers at the position suggests that the Tigers could implement a committee approach, where different backs have a chance to shine depending on the situation. That means the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make when it comes to which backs will get the majority of carries, how they’ll be used in certain game situations, and whether one player will rise to the top as the clear-cut starter.
The most experienced back in the group heading into the season is junior Jarquez Hunter, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Auburn. Hunter has the kind of talent that can turn any given run into a big play. His combination of speed and agility, coupled with his ability to break tackles and fight for extra yards, make him a potential game-changer. He is an elusive runner who can create opportunities for himself when the play breaks down, and he has shown a great ability to read the field and make quick decisions. One of his trademarks is his vision, which helps him find holes in the defense and accelerate through them before defenders can react. Hunter’s understanding of Auburn’s system and his experience playing in the SEC gives him a considerable edge over some of the younger players in the room.
In addition to his running abilities, Hunter also has the potential to contribute in the passing game, a facet of his game that will likely be utilized more in 2025 as offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery looks to create more balance. Hunter has been a consistent presence out of the backfield on passing downs and has demonstrated solid hands when catching the ball. His ability to run routes and create mismatches against linebackers or safeties could give Auburn’s offense a dimension that it hasn’t had in recent years.
Behind Hunter is a talented group of younger players eager to carve out their own niche in the offense. Sophomore Damari Alston, who saw some playing time in 2024, is one of those players with the potential to take on a more significant role in the offense this year. Alston is a compact, powerful back with a great ability to break through arm tackles. What sets him apart is his quickness and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. He has good vision, which allows him to navigate through traffic and find small creases in the defense. His versatility also makes him a valuable asset for Auburn, as he can contribute in short-yardage situations and in longer runs, where he can wear down defenses over time.
Alston’s physicality and explosiveness make him a prime candidate to take on more carries in 2025. If he can build upon his performance from last season and prove to the coaching staff that he can stay healthy and improve his consistency, there is no reason why he can’t challenge for a bigger role. His ability to contribute on special teams as well gives him extra value as he can be used in multiple situations to add depth and provide opportunities to showcase his skill set.
Then there is freshman Brian Thomas Jr., one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, whose arrival has created a great deal of buzz in Auburn circles. Thomas possesses a unique combination of size and speed, which makes him a rare find at the running back position. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 215 pounds, he has the physical attributes of a power back but the agility and burst of a much smaller player. He enters the program with high expectations, and while he may have a learning curve adjusting to the speed and physicality of the SEC, he has the natural tools to become a major factor early on in his college career.
Thomas will have to prove himself against some experienced competition, but he could very well be a candidate for significant playing time if he can show his ability to pick up the playbook quickly and adapt to the demands of college football. His ability to hit the hole quickly, combined with his size and power, could make him a force in short-yardage and goal-line situations. However, his overall development as a complete back will be critical for him to carve out a role as a featured option in the backfield.
Auburn also has a stable of walk-ons and less heralded players who will add depth to the position. These players may not receive the same amount of attention as the bigger names, but they can still contribute in meaningful ways. Depth is crucial for any successful football team, especially in the grind of an SEC season, and having reliable players who can step up in spot duty or provide a breather for the starting backs will be key to the team’s success.
As the 2025 season approaches, Auburn will have to decide whether to stick with a more traditional running back system, where one or two backs dominate the carries, or whether to adopt a more dynamic, committee-based approach. The latter seems more likely given the number of talented players on the roster and the potential to keep players fresh throughout the season. A committee approach allows the coaching staff to use the strengths of each back based on the situation, whether that means leaning on Hunter’s speed, Alston’s power, or Thomas’ combination of size and agility.
The performance of Auburn’s offensive line will also play a significant role in how the running back group fares this season. The Tigers have been working on strengthening their offensive line over the past few years, and if the line can create running lanes consistently, the running backs will have a better chance to thrive. Auburn’s line will need to provide both push at the line of scrimmage and pass protection for the quarterback, ensuring that the running backs can find success both on the ground and in the passing game. A solid offensive line will give the running backs the space they need to use their unique talents to the fullest.
In terms of overall philosophy, it is clear that head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery are likely to bring a more balanced and versatile offensive scheme to Auburn in 2025. While the Tigers will undoubtedly remain a team that leans on the run, they have shown an increasing desire to expand their offensive playbook. The ability to incorporate multiple running backs into the game plan will give Auburn’s coaching staff greater flexibility in how they attack defenses, as it keeps opposing defenses guessing and fresh.
The running back room at Auburn has the potential to be one of the most exciting groups in the SEC in 2025. The mixture of experience, talent, and depth gives Auburn several options to work with. Players like Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston have already proven their worth on the field, while newcomers like Brian Thomas Jr. bring a level of promise that makes the competition at the position fierce. With the right approach, Auburn can utilize this wealth of talent to make their running game a formidable force that complements their passing attack.
The biggest question heading into 2025 will be which of these backs will emerge as the primary playmaker for Auburn, and how will the coaching staff manage the touches and responsibilities in what is sure to be a crowded backfield. Regardless of how it shakes out, Auburn’s running backs will play an essential role in the team’s success in 2025. If they can stay healthy, develop chemistry with the offensive line, and execute the game plan, there’s no reason why Auburn cannot have a dominant ground attack this season. It is a room full of talent, and the potential is there for a memorable season ahead.
