Key breakout possibilities and players for Auburn Tigers fans to be excited about are confirmed by Hugh Freeze and the team’s spring practice intelligence.
The Auburn Tigers are entering a new era under head coach Hugh Freeze, and fans are buzzing with excitement as the team heads into the 2025 season. Spring practice is always a critical time for teams to assess their talent, build chemistry, and refine their game plans for the upcoming year. For Auburn, the spring practices in 2025 have already revealed several key breakout possibilities, standout players, and storylines that should have fans feeling optimistic about the team’s future.
Hugh Freeze, known for his offensive acumen and ability to rebuild programs, is looking to lead the Tigers back to the upper echelons of college football after a tumultuous few years. Spring practice has provided Freeze and the Auburn coaching staff with a valuable opportunity to evaluate their roster, and they’ve already identified several players who could make a significant impact in 2025. Auburn fans are hopeful that the Tigers will once again be competitive in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and with a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, the potential for a successful season is certainly there.
1. Hugh Freeze’s Offensive Overhaul
One of the most exciting aspects of the Auburn Tigers heading into 2025 is the offensive overhaul spearheaded by Hugh Freeze. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Freeze is expected to bring a more dynamic, fast-paced attack to Auburn’s offense. While the Tigers have had flashes of offensive success in recent years, they’ve also been plagued by inconsistency, particularly in the quarterback and wide receiver positions.
Freeze has already begun to install his up-tempo, pass-heavy system during spring practice, and fans have been able to get their first glimpse of the offense under his direction. There are a few key breakout players who could emerge as stars in Freeze’s system.
2. Quarterback: Payton Thorne
One of the most highly anticipated storylines surrounding Auburn football in 2025 is the quarterback competition. Hugh Freeze brought in transfer quarterback Payton Thorne from Michigan State to compete for the starting job, and early spring practice reports have indicated that Thorne has been impressive. The 6’2″, 205-pound junior has a strong arm, good mobility, and an ability to make throws from a variety of platforms.
Thorne is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having played in the Big Ten, and his experience could give him a leg up in the competition. Auburn fans are excited about his potential to run Freeze’s offense, which demands a quarterback who can make quick decisions, read defenses, and be a dual-threat weapon in both the passing and running games.
Thorne’s primary competition comes from freshman Robby Ashford, who has a more dual-threat skill set, and sophomore Holden Geriner, who is known for his strong arm and pocket presence. Regardless of who ultimately wins the starting job, the quarterback position is one of the most intriguing storylines for Auburn in 2025.
3. Running Back: Jarquez Hunter
While Auburn has a stable of talented running backs, none have generated as much buzz this spring as junior Jarquez Hunter. Hunter is a dynamic and explosive athlete who is capable of breaking off big plays at any moment. With the potential to be a major focal point in Hugh Freeze’s offense, Hunter is expected to get a heavy workload in 2025.
Hunter’s vision, speed, and elusiveness make him a perfect fit for the up-tempo, spread offense that Freeze is implementing. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, Hunter has the chance to be one of the top running backs in the SEC this season. Auburn fans are hopeful that he can build on his previous success and emerge as a star in Freeze’s system.
Alongside Hunter, Auburn has several capable backs, including Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb, who will likely get carries in the rotation. But all eyes are on Hunter as the primary back, and he’s a player fans should be excited to watch in 2025.
4. Wide Receiver: Shedrick Jackson and Jay Fair
The wide receiver position has been a bit of a question mark for Auburn in recent years. While there has been talent at the position, there has often been a lack of consistency and playmaking ability. Under Hugh Freeze, the Tigers are looking to change that by developing a more potent passing attack, and fans should be excited about the potential at wide receiver.
Shedrick Jackson, a senior who has been with the program for several years, is expected to be one of the team’s top receiving threats in 2025. Known for his size (6’2″, 205 pounds) and strong hands, Jackson has the ability to be a reliable target in Freeze’s offense. He’s a great route runner who can create separation and make plays in the red zone. Jackson’s experience and leadership should help him be a key piece of the offense in 2025.
Jay Fair, a younger player who impressed during spring practice, has also shown flashes of potential. Fair is known for his quickness and ability to create yards after the catch, making him a dangerous weapon in the short-to-intermediate passing game. If he can continue to develop, Fair could become one of the breakout stars for Auburn in 2025.
Both Jackson and Fair will likely be integral parts of Freeze’s offense, and the development of the wide receiver group will be key to Auburn’s success this season. If they can provide consistent production, Auburn’s passing attack could be much improved in 2025.
5. Offensive Line: A Key to Success
No offense can succeed without solid play upfront, and that’s an area where Auburn has faced challenges in recent years. The Tigers have a number of talented offensive linemen, but they need to show improvement in 2025 to give the skill players a chance to shine.
One player who could be a breakout star along the offensive line is tackle Keiondre Jones. The 6’4″, 330-pound junior has shown the ability to dominate at times, and his physicality and leadership could make him one of the most important pieces of the line in 2025. Jones has the size and strength to be a key protector for whichever quarterback wins the starting job and could be a key player in Auburn’s offensive resurgence.
Additionally, transfers and younger players like Avery Jernigan and Kamryn McKinney could provide depth and competition, helping to strengthen the unit as a whole.
6. Defensive Line: Jaylin Williams and Marcus Harris
While Auburn’s offense is undergoing an overhaul, the defense remains a crucial component of the team’s success in 2025. Under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, the Tigers will look to build on the defensive prowess that has been a staple of the program in recent years.
On the defensive line, two players stand out as potential breakout stars: Jaylin Williams and Marcus Harris. Both have been impressive during spring practice and have the talent to wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
Williams, a 6’5″, 305-pound defensive tackle, has shown tremendous growth in recent years and could be poised for a breakout season. His combination of size and athleticism makes him a force in both run defense and pass rushing. Similarly, Harris, a versatile defensive lineman, has flashed quickness and explosiveness that could allow him to be a disruptive force for Auburn in 2025.
Both Williams and Harris will be crucial for Auburn’s success in stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop, the Auburn defensive line could be one of the team’s strongest units in 2025.
7. Secondary: A Young, Talented Group
The Auburn secondary has been a strength in recent years, and the 2025 season should be no different. The Tigers have several talented young players in the secondary who could break out and become stars in 2025. One player to watch is safety Zion Puckett, a junior who has shown great instincts and physicality. Puckett could be a leader in the secondary and provide stability for the defense.
In addition to Puckett, cornerback J.D. Rhym has shown flashes of lockdown ability and could be a key player in the secondary. Rhym’s ability to cover wide receivers in one-on-one situations will be crucial to Auburn’s success in pass defense.
With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the Auburn secondary could be one of the team’s strengths in 2025, and fans should be excited about the potential of this unit.
8. Special Teams: A Hidden Advantage
While Auburn’s offense and defense are receiving much of the attention heading into 2025, the special teams unit could also play a significant role in the team’s success. Auburn has a solid kicking game, with placekicker Alex McPherson returning for his senior season. McPherson has been consistent throughout his career, and his ability to make clutch field goals could be crucial in close games.
In addition to McPherson, punter Oscar Chapman is one of the best in the SEC and could provide Auburn with a strong field position advantage. If Auburn can continue to excel in special teams, it could make a big difference in the team’s overall success.
 Optimism Abounds for Auburn Football
As the Auburn Tigers head into the 2025 season under Hugh Freeze, there is plenty to be excited about. With a revamped offense, talented players across the board, and a coaching staff that is committed to turning the program around, the Tigers are poised for success. Breakout players like Payton Thorne, Jarquez Hunter, Shedrick Jackson, and others could help elevate Auburn to new heights, and the team’s defensive and special teams units should also contribute to the team’s success.
For Auburn fans, spring practice has provided a glimpse of the future, and the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. Hugh Freeze has his work cut out for him, but with the talent on this roster, Auburn has the potential to be a force in the SEC in 2025 and beyond.
