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

In an era where top college football talent is often quick to declare for the NFL Draft, Auburn running back Damari Alston has made a decision that bucks the trend—and made waves throughout the SEC in the process. The Tigers’ veteran tailback announced this week that he is opting to return to Auburn for his senior season, turning down an opportunity to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

The move signals not just loyalty to his program, but a strategic gamble that another year in orange and blue could significantly elevate his draft stock, his leadership profile, and Auburn’s return to national relevance.

Alston’s decision came via a heartfelt video posted on his social media accounts. Standing on the 50-yard line at Jordan-Hare Stadium with his family beside him, the Atlanta native delivered a message that blended personal reflection with competitive fire.

“Auburn has given me everything,” Alston said. “This place shaped me. I’ve grown here as a player and as a man. And while the NFL has always been a dream, there’s unfinished business here. I’m coming back for one more season. Let’s go to work.”

The message was met with immediate enthusiasm from Auburn fans, teammates, and coaches alike. Within minutes, tributes and reactions flooded X (formerly Twitter), many labeling Alston’s return as the biggest offseason win yet for second-year head coach Hugh Freeze.

When asked in an exclusive interview with The Plains Report why he chose to delay the NFL and return to the college game, Alston didn’t hesitate.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for me,” he said. “I’ve had conversations with Coach Freeze, with my family, and with agents. We looked at where I stood draft-wise, and we knew I could make the leap now. But at the same time, we believed one more year at Auburn could push me even higher—and I want to help bring Auburn back to the top.”

Alston cited several factors in his decision:

Leadership Role: “I feel like this is my team now,” he said. “Being able to mentor the young backs, lead in the locker room—that matters to me.”
Team Momentum: “We’ve got something special brewing. Coach Freeze has us believing again. I want to be a part of that journey.”
Draft Stock Strategy: “I had good film this past season, but not my best. I know what I’m capable of. Another year to really show the NFL what I can do—that’s what excites me.”
NIL Opportunities: “There are also new NIL opportunities that allow guys like me to stay. I’m blessed to have great support behind me.”

In 2024, Alston emerged as Auburn’s most consistent offensive weapon. Despite a Tigers offense that went through growing pains, Alston rushed for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns on 208 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 25 receptions for 212 yards and 2 receiving scores, showcasing his versatility.

Perhaps most importantly, Alston finished the season strong. In Auburn’s final four games—including an Iron Bowl performance where he ran for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns against Alabama—he cemented himself as a legitimate SEC back capable of taking over games.

NFL scouts took notice, with some projections placing him as a Day 2 or early Day 3 selection in the 2025 Draft. Still, for Alston, it wasn’t high enough.

“I want to be a Day 1 guy. A top-tier back. That’s the goal.”

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was effusive in his praise of Alston’s maturity and impact both on and off the field.

“Damari is everything you want in a student-athlete,” Freeze said. “His work ethic, his humility, his toughness—he’s a warrior. Having him back for another season is huge for us.”

Freeze also hinted that Alston’s return gives Auburn an edge heading into 2025.

“This program is on the rise. And leaders like Damari are the reason why.”

For Auburn players, Alston’s decision was more than just a football headline—it was a morale boost.

Quarterback Hank Brown, who is expected to take a significant leap next season, celebrated Alston’s return on Instagram, writing: “We got the general back. Let’s ride.”

Freshman offensive lineman Caleb Stevenson called Alston “the ultimate leader.”

“He’s the one who keeps us locked in. Having him back sets the tone for everybody.”

Wide receiver Jay Fair said it “felt like we just won a bowl game” when Alston made it official.

“Everyone knew what he meant to this team. And now we get to run it back with him. That’s a blessing.”

With Alston returning, Auburn’s backfield is instantly among the best in the SEC. The Tigers also retain Jarquez Hunter’s understudies and add promising freshman speedster Malik Kirkland.

The offensive line is expected to be more cohesive in 2025, with multiple starters returning and a few key additions via the transfer portal. Alston’s presence gives Auburn a feature back capable of carrying the offense while a young receiving corps develops chemistry with Brown or whichever quarterback wins the job.

“Damari brings stability,” said offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery. “We can build around that.”

Defensively, the Tigers made strides late in 2024 and should benefit from added depth and experience. With a favorable early schedule in 2025, the possibility of a 10-win season and SEC West contention suddenly doesn’t feel so far-fetched.

Alston’s decision also reflects the evolving nature of college football. Once upon a time, a running back with 1,000+ yards in the SEC would be gone to the NFL without hesitation. But with NIL earnings providing financial support—and more players prioritizing draft position and long-term career trajectory—staying in school is no longer a fallback plan. It’s a business decision.

“I’m getting paid, I’m getting better, and I’m playing the game I love in front of a fanbase that means everything to me,” Alston said. “What’s not to love about that?”

Sources close to Alston confirmed that he has secured multiple NIL deals for the 2025 season, including endorsements with a regional sports drink company and a national apparel brand. While the financial details remain undisclosed, insiders say his NIL valuation would make him one of the highest-paid returning running backs in the country.

With 2,459 career rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns already to his name, Alston enters 2025 with the chance to finish in the top five on Auburn’s all-time rushing list. Only legends like Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams, and Tank Bigsby stand ahead of him.

“It would mean the world to etch my name into Auburn history,” Alston said. “But even more than that, I want to win. I want to leave this place better than I found it.”

If Alston puts together another 1,200+ yard season and helps Auburn win 9–10 games, his draft stock could skyrocket. More importantly for Auburn fans, the Tigers would be firmly back in the national spotlight.

NFL executives have taken note of Alston’s decision.

One NFC scout said the move could “easily push him into the second round” next year.

“He’s durable, he’s explosive, and he’s a true locker room guy. Running backs don’t get drafted high unless they’re difference-makers. One more year could be the polish he needs.”

Another AFC scout praised Alston’s instincts and vision but noted a few areas for growth.

“He needs to improve in pass protection and show consistent burst at the second level. But he’s trending in the right direction. A great senior year, and he’ll be on everyone’s radar.”

To say Auburn fans are thrilled would be an understatement. One post on Auburn’s 247Sports board titled “ALSTON STAYS = SEC CHAMPS???” quickly gained over 500 upvotes.

Fan responses ranged from hopeful to emotional:

“This kid bleeds Auburn. Let’s reward that with a sold-out stadium every game.”
“We lost Tank early. Seeing Damari return just feels like we’re building something real.”
“Freeze + Alston + Brown = 2025 surprise team. Book it.”

Before ending his interview, Alston offered a message to fans and teammates:

“Y’all believed in me from the jump, even when I was just a three-star kid out of Georgia. I’m coming back not just to play, but to finish what we started. I want to leave a legacy—and bring home a ring.”

For a program craving a return to glory, those words hit home. And for Damari Alston, the road to NFL greatness still runs through Jordan-Hare.