Deal Report: Auburn Tigers Running Back Damari Alston Declines NFL Draft to Return for Senior Season as He Explains His Decision

In a decision that surprised some draft analysts but thrilled Auburn fans and coaches alike, Damari Alston, the Tigers’ bruising and intelligent running back, has chosen to return for his senior season rather than declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Alston’s return solidifies Auburn’s backfield and injects much-needed leadership into Hugh Freeze’s program. In a candid statement shared through Auburn Athletics, Alston explained the motivations behind his choice, offering insight into a mindset rooted in unfinished business, personal development, and loyalty.

This is more than just a football story — it’s a testament to the value of maturity, vision, and commitment in a sport increasingly shaped by quick exits and professional temptations.

For Auburn, retaining Alston is like getting a five-star transfer — without needing to hit the portal. Though he hasn’t always been the Tigers’ featured back, his impact both on and off the field has been immense. In the modern college football landscape, where early draft entries and transfer exits are routine, Alston’s decision stands as a symbol of old-school grit and new-school strategy.

Alston had the résumé to justify an early leap. Despite injury setbacks, his production has been efficient, and scouts have praised his vision, burst, and pass-blocking ability. His yards-per-carry average was one of the best on the team, and he showcased versatility in both inside zone runs and perimeter plays. Yet for Alston, those numbers weren’t enough to seal the chapter on his college career.

“I know I could’ve gone pro, and I was seriously considering it,” Alston said. “But something kept pulling me back. I feel like I haven’t done everything I want to do here. I want to lead this team. I want to bring a championship to Auburn.”

Alston arrived at Auburn as a four-star recruit out of Georgia, known for his physical running style and work ethic. Early on, he was buried behind established backs like Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. Rather than transfer or complain, he waited, learned, and grew.

By 2023, Alston had emerged as a vital rotational player. That season, he rushed for over 300 yards on limited touches and became a reliable option in short-yardage and red-zone situations. But injuries interrupted what might have been a breakout campaign, limiting his reps during key stretches.

He bounced back in 2024 with added muscle and improved footwork, showing better acceleration through the hole and improved patience behind blockers. Coaches took notice of his development.

“Damari is one of the smartest backs I’ve coached,” Hugh Freeze said during fall camp. “He doesn’t just run the play. He understands the whole concept — protection, coverage tendencies, linebacker keys. He’s like having a coach in the backfield.”

Alston’s return isn’t just about what happens on Saturdays. It’s about what happens Monday through Friday in the weight room, on the practice field, and in team meetings.

He’s now the elder statesman in a backfield that includes younger talents and recent signees. Rather than bristle at competition, Alston has embraced his role as a mentor. During spring practices, he was frequently seen correcting technique, encouraging teammates, and setting the tempo in drills.

“He’s the heartbeat of this team,” one teammate said. “He’s been through it all and never quit. When he speaks, everybody listens.”

This kind of leadership is rare — and invaluable. While some NFL hopefuls are chasing combine invites and agency meetings, Alston is still chasing cohesion, chemistry, and a championship ring.

Auburn hasn’t enjoyed a consistent presence in the SEC title race in recent years, but there’s a growing sense within the program that 2025 could be different. With key defensive returns, an improving offensive line, and an experienced quarterback room, the Tigers are quietly building one of the SEC’s deeper rosters.

Alston clearly believes in what Freeze and the staff are building.

“Coach Freeze has a vision,” he said. “We all see it. And I want to be part of it — not watching from a couch or waiting for a call on draft day. I want to be in that huddle. I want to be in that locker room when we shock the world.”

His individual goals are lofty but grounded. He wants to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark, increase his involvement in the passing game, and prove he’s an every-down back.

“I’m not just coming back to hang out. I’m coming back to dominate,” Alston added.

Though Alston would’ve likely been a mid-to-late round draft pick in 2025, scouts had already begun noting areas for improvement — specifically long-speed and exposure as a lead back over a full season.

Returning gives him a rare opportunity: the chance to be the guy.

Rather than enter the NFL as an unproven rotational piece, Alston now has the chance to headline an SEC offense and put together a full tape that showcases his complete skill set. A strong season could vault him into Day 2 consideration.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll get to the NFL,” he said. “But when I get there, I want to be ready. Not just on the field, but as a man, as a professional, as a leader. Another year at Auburn is going to help me do that.”

While Alston didn’t cite NIL as a primary motivation for his return, Auburn insiders suggest that the running back is expected to benefit significantly from name, image, and likeness opportunities.

With Auburn boosters and collectives becoming more aggressive in retaining veteran talent, Alston stands to earn a six-figure NIL package that includes local endorsements, appearances, and performance-based incentives. For many players in his position, the financial gap between a late-round NFL contract and a robust NIL deal has shrunk dramatically.

NIL made it possible for Alston to stay without feeling like he was sacrificing everything.

“It’s not about chasing money,” he said. “But I also know I’m in a good place. Auburn’s taken care of me. And I want to give something back before I leave.”

With Alston’s return, Auburn’s offense gains a foundation — a reliable runner who can handle 15–20 carries a game, pass protect, and mentor younger backs. This helps Freeze build an identity offensively: physical, balanced, and resilient.

Alston’s presence will also take pressure off Auburn’s quarterbacks. Whether it’s an experienced starter or a rising underclassman, having a veteran back who knows blitz pickups and can churn out tough yards on third down is invaluable.

Moreover, Alston will provide stability in a conference increasingly defined by chaos and roster turnover.

Perhaps most importantly, Alston’s return signals something larger — a shift in the narrative around Auburn football. In an era where players often chase immediate gratification, Alston chose loyalty, long-term vision, and a team-first mindset.

This could spark a domino effect in the locker room. Several other draft-eligible Tigers, including key offensive linemen and defensive backs, are now rumored to be reconsidering early declarations.

“I think Damari set the tone,” an assistant coach said. “He planted the flag. He said, ‘Let’s finish what we started.’ And now guys are thinking, ‘Maybe I want to be part of that too.’”

Damari Alston’s decision won’t shake up mock drafts or dominate NFL headlines, but it may end up being one of the most impactful choices in Auburn’s 2025 season.

He’s betting on himself, on his teammates, and on a program that’s trying to climb its way back into national relevance. In doing so, Alston isn’t just extending his college career — he’s amplifying his legacy.

If he stays healthy and delivers the kind of season he believes he’s capable of, Auburn could be looking at a special year — and Alston might just walk away as one of the most beloved players to wear orange and blue in the last decade.

He’s not chasing flash. He’s chasing greatness — one more season, one more opportunity, one more shot at something bigger than himself.

And for Auburn, that’s worth far more than any draft slot.