Auburn Football Stars Donovan Kaufman and D.J. James Officially Named to 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List Honoring Nation’s Most Outstanding Player.
Auburn football has added another reason for excitement heading into the 2025 season, as two of its standout players, defensive back D.J. James and linebacker Eugene Asante, have officially been named to the Maxwell Award watch list. The announcement adds a national spotlight to two key figures expected to play pivotal roles for the Tigers this fall. The Maxwell Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football, has long been considered one of the sport’s most prestigious individual honors, and being named to the preseason watch list is a clear indication of the high expectations surrounding these Auburn defenders.
D.J. James has been a steady and explosive force in Auburn’s secondary since transferring from Oregon. In his time with the Tigers, he has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC, blending speed, football IQ, and lockdown coverage that frequently frustrates opposing offenses. His name popping up on the Maxwell Award radar comes as little surprise to those who have followed Auburn closely. James had a strong 2024 campaign, consistently matching up with the opposing team’s top receivers and playing with the kind of confidence and poise that NFL scouts take notice of. His ability to limit big plays and create turnovers makes him a valuable weapon for defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who’s entering his second year at the helm of Auburn’s defense.
Eugene Asante’s story is one of perseverance and breakout success. Originally transferring from North Carolina, Asante took some time to find his footing but exploded onto the scene in 2024 with a string of dominant performances. His motor, energy, and sideline-to-sideline range turned him into a fan favorite and a vocal leader within the locker room. Last season, he not only led the team in tackles but also made key plays in crunch time that helped seal games or shift momentum. His presence in the middle of the defense gives Auburn a heart and soul-type player who embodies the grit and intensity associated with the Tigers’ brand of football.
Being named to the Maxwell Award watch list is not only a personal achievement for James and Asante but also a reflection of the direction in which head coach Hugh Freeze is taking the program. Auburn has entered the national conversation again, not just for its storied history or rabid fanbase, but for its on-field talent and promise. These watch list nods serve as a reminder that the Tigers are quietly building something formidable, especially on the defensive side of the ball. While the Maxwell Award often favors quarterbacks and offensive stars, the inclusion of two defenders speaks volumes about the quality of talent Auburn possesses.
It’s worth noting that the Maxwell Award, which dates back to 1937, has traditionally been awarded to players with standout statistical seasons and leadership qualities that transcend the numbers. Former winners include legends like Barry Sanders, Peyton Manning, and most recently, Caleb Williams. That James and Asante are even in the conversation for such an award illustrates the respect they’ve garnered not only within the SEC but across the national landscape. Their leadership and production will be vital if Auburn is to compete in what is once again shaping up to be a loaded conference.
James, in particular, brings a veteran’s poise and maturity to the field, along with a cornerback’s swagger. He’s not just a shutdown guy; he’s a playmaker. Whether it’s jumping a route at the right moment, recovering a loose ball, or blanketing a receiver for four quarters, James brings consistency and highlight-reel moments in equal measure. His technique has continued to improve under the watchful eyes of Auburn’s coaching staff, and with one more year to elevate his stock, 2025 could be a banner season.
Asante complements him perfectly. While James might be the finesse technician on the edge, Asante is the hammer in the middle. He thrives on physicality, on diagnosing plays quickly, and on being in the right place at the right time. There’s a cerebral element to Asante’s game that goes underappreciated. He anticipates the offense’s intent and reacts decisively, often before the ball is even snapped. That combination of intelligence, speed, and aggression is what sets him apart from your average linebacker.
The recognition also speaks to the broader expectations surrounding Auburn’s defense this season. With both players back and operating at elite levels, the Tigers have a legitimate shot at fielding one of the best defenses in the SEC. That’s especially crucial given the offensive uncertainty that may persist in the early stages of the season. If Freeze’s offense takes a few weeks to gel, the defense—with James and Asante leading the way—could very well carry the team during that stretch.
This announcement adds to what has already been an offseason of momentum for the Tigers. Recruiting has been strong, offseason development appears to be going smoothly, and there’s a general sense around Auburn that the team is finally poised to take a major step forward. The Maxwell Award watch list inclusion serves as a cherry on top—a validation that individual excellence within the Auburn program is being noticed on a national level. And that matters. When awards committees and national media start mentioning Auburn names in the same breath as the best in college football, it changes the perception of the program as a whole.
There’s also the ripple effect to consider. Recognition like this helps in recruiting. When high school stars see players at their position getting national recognition at Auburn, it sends a message: you can come to the Plains, develop your game, and still compete for national awards. That kind of messaging is gold in the competitive SEC recruiting landscape. James and Asante, simply by earning these preseason nods, are helping build Auburn’s future.
Of course, being on the watch list is just the beginning. There’s a long road between now and the presentation of the Maxwell Award in December. Both players will need to stay healthy, maintain their high level of play, and help lead Auburn to wins if they hope to stay in the conversation. The Maxwell Award committee considers both individual production and team success, so there’s pressure on the entire Auburn squad to perform.
James and Asante won’t shy away from that. Both are known as hard workers who lead by example. They understand the demands of SEC football and the expectations that come with wearing the Auburn jersey. This recognition will likely only fuel their hunger to prove that they belong in the upper echelon of college football. For James, that could mean more interceptions, more pass breakups, and continued lockdown coverage. For Asante, it could mean anchoring the defense and once again leading the team in tackles, while also making splash plays that swing momentum.
As the season progresses, their performances will be closely monitored—not just by Auburn fans, but by college football media, NFL scouts, and award voters. Every game, every matchup, every snap will carry added weight. But for competitors like James and Asante, that’s exactly the kind of spotlight they want.
Their journey to this point hasn’t been easy. Transfers, development, waiting for opportunity—it’s taken time and patience. But that makes this recognition all the sweeter. They’ve worked for this moment. They’ve earned the respect of their teammates, their coaches, and now, the national football community.
In a broader sense, the inclusion of two defensive players from Auburn on a primarily offensive award watch list also challenges traditional narratives. It reminds voters and fans alike that great football isn’t just about scoring points—it’s also about preventing them. And players like James and Asante, through their discipline, passion, and execution, are doing just that.
With the season rapidly approaching, Auburn fans have every reason to be excited. The Tigers are not only reloading with talent, but they’re also being recognized for it. James and Asante will be under the national microscope this season, and if their past performances are any indication, they’ll thrive in that environment. Their inclusion on the Maxwell Award watch list is a symbol of what’s possible for Auburn football in 2025—not just competitiveness, but excellence at the highest level.
So as fall camp continues and the Tigers prepare for their season opener, the spotlight is now just a bit brighter on the Plains. Two of Auburn’s finest are getting the recognition they deserve. Now it’s up to them—and the rest of the team—to seize the moment and show the college football world that Auburn is back, and back in a big way.
