Auburn Tigers and Hugh Freeze Aggressively Pursue Elite Running Back Recruits as Key Official Visit Window Opens

Hugh Freeze is not letting off the gas. As Auburn football surges into a pivotal summer stretch, the Tigers are ramping up their recruiting intensity, particularly when it comes to securing commitments from top-tier running backs. With the official visit window opening wide across the country, Freeze and his staff are making a full-court press to lure some of the nation’s elite rushers to the Plains—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Auburn has always been synonymous with a hard-nosed ground game. From Bo Jackson to Cadillac Williams to Tank Bigsby, the Tigers have built an enduring identity on producing powerful, game-changing backs. That legacy isn’t lost on the current coaching staff or the recruits they’re targeting. But in a new era of college football—marked by the transfer portal, NIL, and fierce SEC competition—simply having tradition isn’t enough. Freeze and his crew know that to return Auburn to national prominence, it starts with landing elite skill-position talent. That’s why the program is going all in on several top-rated backs in the 2025 class.

Auburn has already laid the groundwork with several top-tier names in this cycle. Four-star running back Alvin Henderson, a lightning-quick threat out of Elba, Alabama, has long been a top priority. The in-state product has the vision, burst, and finishing ability to become a feature back in the SEC, and Freeze hasn’t been shy about letting Henderson know how important he is to the Tigers’ future. Auburn is battling hard with the likes of Florida State, Georgia, and Penn State, but the Tigers’ proximity—and persistent outreach—continue to give them a real shot.

But Henderson is far from the only elite back on Auburn’s radar. The staff has also zeroed in on Harlem Berry, a five-star running back from Louisiana widely regarded as one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. Berry’s speed and versatility have drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara, and his recruitment is a heavyweight battle between SEC and national powers. Auburn has made a strong impression on Berry and his family, selling not only a vision of early playing time but also the opportunity to be the centerpiece of Freeze’s offensive rebuild.

Then there’s Braylen Russell, a bruising, 220-pound back out of Arkansas who fits the mold of a classic SEC power runner. Auburn’s staff has been in constant contact with Russell, emphasizing how his physicality and downhill running style align perfectly with their offensive identity. Getting Russell to campus for an official visit could be a game-changer, especially as Arkansas and other regional programs continue to jockey for position.

What’s become clear is that Freeze isn’t waiting for these elite recruits to come to him—he’s going to them. Auburn has been strategic in sending assistants across the South, attending spring games, and scheduling key in-home visits to make sure the Tigers stay top of mind. That strategy appears to be paying dividends. Multiple top running backs have confirmed plans to take official visits to Auburn in the coming weeks, including several who weren’t initially considered locks to consider the Tigers seriously.

And while Freeze is making headlines with his aggressive approach, it’s not just about selling playing time or a spot on the depth chart. Auburn’s recruiting pitch has become far more holistic. From showcasing new facilities and emphasizing the family atmosphere within the program, to laying out a clear development plan that includes NIL opportunities and future NFL preparation, the Tigers are presenting a comprehensive vision that resonates with elite talent.

A big part of that message involves pointing to the coaching staff’s track record. Running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams remains one of the most respected position coaches in the country, particularly among high school players who grew up hearing stories about his Auburn glory days. Williams has a reputation for developing players, building close relationships, and preparing backs for the next level. That continuity and credibility have helped Auburn stay in the hunt for high-profile recruits even as the program continues to build under Freeze’s leadership.

But Auburn’s push for elite backs isn’t just about securing big names for the sake of headlines. It’s rooted in a clear, strategic need. While the current running back room features some talented options—including a few underclassmen who showed flashes in 2024—there’s no true workhorse locked in for the future. Freeze wants a foundational piece to build around, a back who can carry the load and set the tone in the SEC grind. That’s why the 2025 recruiting class is so crucial, and why Auburn is treating these next few weeks with a sense of urgency.

The Tigers know that the summer official visit window often shapes the trajectory of a recruiting class. It’s when prospects begin narrowing their lists, bonding with other targets, and envisioning their futures. Freeze wants to ensure that Auburn makes a lasting impression during that critical time. That means hosting visits that go beyond basic facility tours. It means crafting immersive, personalized experiences that make recruits feel like they’re already part of the Auburn family. From meeting academic advisors to shadowing team workouts and engaging with current players, the program is pulling out all the stops.

The competition is fierce—especially in the SEC, where Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Florida are all pushing hard for many of the same backs. But Auburn is carving out its own space in that elite recruiting conversation by doubling down on relationships. Freeze has always prided himself on being a strong recruiter, and he’s surrounded himself with assistants who share that same hunger. That dynamic is already changing the perception of Auburn among blue-chip prospects, some of whom might not have seriously considered the Tigers just a year ago.

Moreover, the offensive scheme Freeze is building at Auburn is becoming a selling point in itself. While known for his spread and tempo-based philosophies, Freeze has always leaned heavily on a balanced attack. He wants his quarterbacks to thrive, yes, but not at the expense of a dominant ground game. The pitch to running backs is simple but effective: Come to Auburn, and you’ll be featured. You’ll get touches early and often. You’ll be developed, and you’ll be showcased. For recruits eyeing NFL futures, that’s a powerful message.

Another underrated factor working in Auburn’s favor is the energy surrounding the program. Despite finishing the 2024 season with a middling record, the momentum heading into 2025 feels different. The Tigers have been aggressive in the portal, upgrading key positions, and there’s a growing belief that Freeze is positioning Auburn for a breakthrough. That sense of anticipation is contagious—and when top recruits visit the Plains and see it for themselves, it’s not hard to imagine them buying in.

Ultimately, recruiting is a game of timing and trust. Auburn is hoping that its timing—aligned with official visits, summer commitments, and a clearly communicated vision—can help it close the gap on some of the nation’s perennial powers. More importantly, Freeze is building trust with these recruits and their families, and that trust could prove to be the difference when decision day comes.

It’s still early in the process, and Auburn knows the road to signing day is filled with twists, decommitments, and battles until the very end. But there’s no denying the intensity with which the Tigers are pursuing elite running backs. This isn’t a passive effort. It’s a coordinated campaign—one that reflects the urgency, ambition, and belief that Auburn can return to the top of the SEC mountain.

For Freeze, it’s more than just a recruiting cycle. It’s the next chapter in a program transformation. And for the elite running backs weighing their futures, the message from Auburn is loud and clear: We want you, we need you, and we’re ready to build something special—together.