After the Transfer Portal closes, ESPN releases the Auburn Tigers’ anticipated starting lineup.

The dust has finally settled. The spring transfer portal window has closed, and the Auburn Tigers’ roster is, for the most part, finalized. With all the major additions and departures complete, ESPN has released its anticipated starting lineup for Auburn heading into the 2025 season—and it paints a picture of a program quietly building something special under head coach Hugh Freeze.

After a rocky but promising first season at the helm, Freeze has used the transfer portal, high school recruiting, and player development to mold a team that looks significantly stronger, deeper, and more competitive than the one that finished 6-7 a year ago. From a battle-tested quarterback to a retooled offensive line and a defensive front loaded with SEC-caliber athletes, the Tigers are showing signs of becoming a legitimate threat in the SEC.

Despite speculation surrounding Auburn’s quarterback room all offseason, ESPN has tabbed Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne as the likely Week 1 starter. Thorne started 11 games for the Tigers in 2024, and while his play was inconsistent at times—throwing for 1,864 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions—he showed leadership, command of the offense, and improved late in the season.

True sophomore Holden Geriner and incoming freshman Walker White will push Thorne, but Freeze seems inclined to ride with experience—at least early in the season.

ESPN Analysis: “Thorne isn’t flashy, but he’s tough, smart, and has a year in Freeze’s system. Auburn’s ceiling will depend on whether he can elevate his play against the SEC’s top defenses.”

No surprises here. Jarquez Hunter is back for his senior season and is expected to be the workhorse of the Auburn offense. After battling injuries and a slow start, Hunter rushed for 909 yards and 9 touchdowns last season and remains one of the most physical and explosive backs in the conference.

The Tigers also return Damari Alston and redshirt freshman Jeremiah Cobb, forming one of the SEC’s deepest backfields.

ESPN Analysis: “Hunter is the heart of this offense. He’s an NFL-caliber runner who could easily eclipse 1,200 yards if Auburn’s offensive line continues to improve.”

This group is one of the biggest questions heading into the fall. Auburn lacked consistent production at wide receiver in 2024, but the Tigers hit the portal and added key pieces.

Camden Brown, the 6-foot-3 junior, is projected to take a big leap as WR1. Shane Hooks, a transfer from Jackson State, is a reliable possession receiver, while Malcolm Johnson Jr. brings speed and field-stretching ability.

Freshmen Perry Thompson and Cam Coleman—both five-star recruits—will push for early reps and could crack the starting lineup by midseason.

ESPN Analysis: “The talent is undeniable, especially with the incoming freshmen. But until proven otherwise, Auburn’s receivers are still a work in progress.”

The UCF transfer was one of Auburn’s most consistent offensive weapons last season, hauling in 38 receptions for 435 yards and 4 touchdowns. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Fairweather is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs.

He’ll be heavily featured again in 2025, especially in third-down and red-zone situations.

ESPN Analysis: “Fairweather is a reliable security blanket and one of the more underrated tight ends in the SEC. Expect his usage to increase.”

This is perhaps the most improved unit on the team. Freeze and offensive line coach Jake Thornton emphasized trench play in recruiting, and it shows. Britton and Wade are seasoned SEC veterans, while Lew and Jones bring stability on the interior. Miller, a JUCO transfer, has emerged as a rising star at right tackle.

For the first time in years, Auburn has depth and experience in the trenches.

ESPN Analysis: “This group may not be elite yet, but they’re smart, physical, and finally have some continuity. That alone will make Auburn’s offense more dangerous.”

Keldric Faulk is a rising star who could turn into a first-round pick by 2026. At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, he’s a freak athlete who flashed as a freshman. Marcus Harris and Jayson Jones return as veterans who can stuff the run and occasionally collapse the pocket. Justin Rogers, a Kentucky transfer from last season, brings brute strength to the nose.

With the Tigers’ switch to a more aggressive front, expect this group to wreak havoc.

ESPN Analysis: “Auburn’s D-line could be top-five in the SEC if Faulk takes a leap. They’ll be the key to Auburn’s defensive identity.”

Eugene Asante was a revelation last year. After limited snaps at North Carolina, he burst onto the SEC scene with 98 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 3 sacks. Austin Keys, who transferred from Ole Miss in 2023, returns healthy and is expected to anchor the middle.

Keep an eye on freshmen D’Angelo Barber and Demarcus Riddick—two freakishly athletic backers who could earn rotational reps quickly.

ESPN Analysis: “Asante is the heartbeat of this defense. If Keys stays healthy, this duo could be one of the best in the conference.”

Auburn has one of the most experienced and reliable cornerback tandems in the SEC. D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett both tested NFL waters but chose to return for one more season.

James, in particular, is a lockdown corner with All-SEC potential. Together, they should help Auburn defend against the pass-heavy attacks they’ll face in the SEC West.

ESPN Analysis: “There’s a reason both players were on NFL radars. Their return gives Auburn a legitimate chance to contain top receivers like Georgia’s Dominic Lovett or Alabama’s Kobe Prentice.”

Puckett is a high-IQ safety who’s been in the system for years and rarely makes mistakes. Bridges showed flashes last season with two interceptions and solid tackling in the open field.

With new DC Charles Kelly bringing an aggressive philosophy, Auburn’s safeties are expected to blitz more and disguise coverages more frequently.

ESPN Analysis: “This duo may not be flashy, but they’re consistent. If they stay healthy, Auburn’s secondary could quietly be one of the best in the league.”

McPherson, the younger brother of NFL kicker Evan McPherson, has one of the strongest legs in college football. He hit a 57-yarder last season and is automatic inside 40 yards. Chapman is a veteran punter with excellent hang time, and Caleb Burton, a transfer from Ohio State, could become a dynamic return specialist.

ESPN Analysis: “Special teams is one of Auburn’s hidden strengths. McPherson and Chapman give Freeze an edge in field position battles.”

ESPN’s projected starting lineup confirms what many Auburn insiders have been whispering since spring: the Tigers are no longer rebuilding—they’re reloading.

With depth across the board, experienced leaders returning, and a second year under Hugh Freeze’s system, Auburn has the pieces to exceed expectations. While they may not be ready to dethrone Alabama or Georgia just yet, they’re not far off.

“This team feels like it’s on the verge,” ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill said. “They’ve got SEC talent, veteran leadership, and a coaching staff that knows how to win. Don’t be surprised if Auburn spoils someone’s playoff dreams this year.”

As Freeze continues to stack elite recruiting classes and build culture from within, the Tigers are positioned to make some serious noise in 2025—and perhaps much sooner than anyone anticipated.

The Tigers’ season will hinge on those key matchups, but for now, with the portal closed and the roster intact, Auburn fans have every reason to believe this fall could be special.