Auburn Running Back Damari Alston Predicts Breakout Season for Himself and the Tigers, Promising Fans Will Witness ‘Something Special’ in 2025

Auburn Tigers running back Damari Alston has made it clear that expectations are high—not just for the team, but for himself. As the Tigers ramp up preseason preparations for the 2025 campaign, Alston has emerged as one of the most vocal and confident leaders on the roster. When asked about the upcoming season, his message was as bold as it was optimistic: “A lot of greatness is coming this year.” It’s a sentiment that resonates throughout the Auburn locker room and has fans buzzing with excitement over what could be a defining year under head coach Hugh Freeze.

Entering his junior season, Alston has steadily climbed the ranks within Auburn’s backfield. Known for his powerful running style, field vision, and relentless motor, he’s expected to be one of the focal points of Freeze’s offense. With a strong offseason behind him and an opportunity to take on a feature role, Alston is embracing the pressure and expectations. His confidence doesn’t come from empty bravado—it’s grounded in months of hard work, growth, and a belief in the system being built around him.

Alston’s journey at Auburn hasn’t always been front and center. His first two seasons were defined by flashes of promise in limited opportunities behind older backs. But now, with a clearer path to the top of the depth chart and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, Alston is poised to make the leap from contributor to star. He’s stronger, quicker, and smarter, not just physically but in his understanding of the game. Film study, conditioning, and trust in his offensive line have all become part of his daily routine.

When he says “greatness” is coming, Alston isn’t only referring to stats or individual accolades. He’s talking about a complete shift in culture and performance. Under Freeze, Auburn has undergone a transformation in identity. Practices are more intense, accountability is higher, and the focus on execution has been sharpened. Alston has taken it upon himself to be one of the players who drives that message home, particularly for younger teammates who are still adjusting to the demands of SEC football.

The 2025 Auburn offense is expected to be more dynamic than it has been in recent years, and Alston’s role will be critical in making that happen. Freeze’s system thrives on balance and tempo—attacking defenses through the air while wearing them down on the ground. Alston fits perfectly into that mold, capable of running between the tackles, bouncing outside, and even contributing as a receiver. His versatility will allow Auburn to keep defenses guessing and give the quarterback a reliable outlet on every down.

Alston has also made significant strides in his leadership off the field. Teammates speak highly of his work ethic and focus, often citing him as one of the first to arrive and last to leave the facility. He’s taken younger players under his wing, guiding them through workouts, film sessions, and even the day-to-day challenges of balancing academics and athletics. In many ways, Alston embodies the cultural reset Freeze has emphasized—humble, hungry, and committed.

Fans have already begun to take notice of Alston’s confidence and the energy he brings. His statements have lit up social media, with many supporters echoing his belief that Auburn is on the verge of something special. The last few years have been frustrating for a fanbase accustomed to contending in the SEC, but the tone has shifted. There’s belief again, and Alston’s attitude is a big part of that. He hasn’t guaranteed victories or made wild predictions. Instead, he’s offered something more valuable: belief grounded in hard work and internal accountability.

Behind the scenes, coaches are equally excited about what Alston brings to the table. Running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, a legend in his own right, has praised Alston for his maturity, preparation, and explosiveness. Williams has worked closely with Alston on refining footwork, improving blitz pickup, and understanding defensive schemes. The two have developed a strong bond, and Alston has credited Williams with helping elevate his game to a new level.

Auburn’s offensive line, another area of focus this offseason, will be instrumental in Alston’s success. After years of inconsistency up front, the Tigers have invested in size, depth, and experience. The expectation is that the improved line play will allow backs like Alston to hit holes with more confidence and rhythm. The run game is expected to be a foundational piece of Auburn’s offensive identity, especially early in the season as the team works through the quarterback competition and builds chemistry in the passing game.

Alston’s rise is also coming at a time when the SEC is undergoing transition. With powerhouse programs facing key departures and coaching changes across the league, Auburn has a real opportunity to capitalize on momentum. Alston believes the Tigers can compete with anyone, and he’s made it clear that the team is preparing for more than just bowl eligibility—they want to win big games and fight for a spot in the conference title race. His optimism isn’t blind. It’s based on tangible progress seen every day at practice, in the weight room, and in team meetings.

The 2025 schedule is demanding, featuring multiple top-25 opponents and early road challenges. But Alston isn’t shying away from it. If anything, he’s welcoming the opportunity to prove Auburn’s resurgence is real. In interviews and behind closed doors, he’s been vocal about setting the tone in those key matchups. Whether it’s against Georgia, Alabama, LSU, or a rising outsider in the East, Alston believes that preparation and attitude will determine Auburn’s fate—not reputation or history.

Beyond individual goals, Alston has said repeatedly that his biggest focus is on helping the team win. He wants to be the kind of player who teammates can rely on in tough moments—the one who steps up on third-and-short, who grinds out yards late in the fourth quarter, who helps close out games rather than watches from the sideline. He’s aware of the responsibility that comes with being a primary back in the SEC, and he’s embraced the challenge rather than running from it.

The Auburn program has seen its fair share of running back greatness over the years—from Bo Jackson to Cadillac Williams, from Ronnie Brown to Kerryon Johnson. Alston understands that legacy and isn’t trying to copy anyone. He wants to add his name to that lineage through his own style, his own story. It’s not about chasing ghosts. It’s about building something new that future Auburn players can look up to.

As fall camp approaches its most critical stretch, Alston’s consistency will be closely watched. Coaches are monitoring workloads, managing contact, and preparing for the physical demands of a long season. Alston is expected to be a feature back, but he’ll also be part of a rotation designed to keep legs fresh and bodies healthy. Still, when the moment calls for a tone-setter, there’s little doubt who Freeze and his staff will look to.

In the end, Damari Alston’s declaration that “a lot of greatness is coming this year” may prove prophetic. Not because it was shouted the loudest, but because it reflects a quiet confidence rooted in preparation, purpose, and passion. Auburn fans have been waiting for a player and a team to spark belief again, and Alston may just be that spark. If he performs the way coaches expect—and if the Tigers as a whole continue on their current trajectory—then the 2025 season could be remembered as the year Auburn turned the corner. And when that happens, they’ll look back at Alston’s words not as a bold prediction, but as a promise kept.