Before Auburn football’s 2025 A-Day, it’s worthwhile to keep an eye on these three position battles.

As Auburn University football gears up for the 2025 A-Day, the team’s annual spring scrimmage, there are several key position battles that are expected to shape the direction of the team heading into the fall. With new faces, renewed energy, and an intense focus on making Auburn competitive in the SEC, the upcoming A-Day presents an invaluable opportunity to evaluate which players will secure starting spots, solidify depth, and contribute to the program’s long-term success. Here are three of the most critical position battles to keep an eye on during the 2025 A-Day.

1. Quarterback: The Quest for Stability and Leadership

The quarterback position at Auburn has been a topic of scrutiny for several seasons, as the program has yet to settle on a consistent starter. Heading into the 2025 season, the stakes are higher than ever. With a new offensive system and a coaching staff determined to create a more potent and dynamic offense, the quarterback battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines this spring.

Candidates:

Robbie Ashford – The 6’2” dual-threat quarterback returns after a promising yet inconsistent 2024 season. Ashford’s mobility and ability to make plays with his legs have been assets, but his passing accuracy has been a work in progress. As a junior, Ashford will be expected to take on a leadership role and show whether he can develop into a complete quarterback who can win games through the air and on the ground.
Hank Brown – The highly touted freshman enters the spring with high expectations. Brown’s arm strength and ability to make all the throws will be closely evaluated during A-Day. If he can show poise and accuracy under pressure, he might just push Ashford for the starting job or serve as a viable option to take over in the fall.
Deondre Jackson – Another option to consider is the transfer quarterback, who brings experience from his previous school. Known for his accuracy and ability to operate within a fast-paced offense, Jackson could be the dark horse in this competition, adding depth to the position and potentially stepping up if either Ashford or Brown falters.

Key Focus Areas:

Accuracy and decision-making will be crucial factors in this battle. Coaches are likely to look for a quarterback who can not only make the tough throws but also avoid turnovers and manage the offense efficiently.
Leadership will also play a significant role. The quarterback position demands someone who can rally the team, particularly in high-pressure situations, and show poise in the pocket.

With these three players, the A-Day scrimmage will give fans and coaches alike a glimpse of how the competition is shaping up, and which quarterback could lead the team in the fall.

2. Wide Receiver: Finding Playmakers on the Outside

Auburn’s wide receiver position has been one of its most inconsistent areas in recent years. While the Tigers have had flashes of brilliance, the team has struggled to find consistency at the position, with multiple players failing to live up to their potential. Heading into 2025, the wide receiver group is poised for a transformation, with several new faces and emerging talents looking to earn their place in the starting lineup.

Candidates:

Jay Fair – A rising junior, Fair has been one of the most consistent performers in the spring camp. Known for his speed and route-running ability, Fair is poised to take on a leadership role in the receiving corps. If he can continue to develop his chemistry with the quarterbacks and make plays in the open field, he could become Auburn’s top target in 2025.
Nick Mardner – The 6’6” senior transfer from Hawaii brings a unique skill set to the table. With his towering frame and ability to make contested catches, Mardner could be a key red zone target for Auburn’s offense. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against smaller cornerbacks will be crucial for Auburn’s offensive attack.
Omari Kelly – A sophomore with an intriguing blend of size and speed, Kelly has the potential to be a breakout star. After a solid freshman campaign, Kelly’s development will be crucial for Auburn’s passing game. His physicality and ability to win contested balls in tight coverage will be pivotal for the Tigers’ success.

Key Focus Areas:

Route Running and Separation: The Auburn offense has struggled to create consistent separation from defenders in recent years. During A-Day, it will be important to evaluate how the receivers perform in terms of getting open and running sharp routes.
Hands and Catching Consistency: The ability to catch passes in critical situations, especially in contested environments, will separate the potential playmakers from the rest of the group.

As the wide receiver competition intensifies, A-Day will offer insight into which of these players can establish themselves as a reliable target for the quarterbacks and contribute significantly to the offense.

3. Defensive Line: Shoring Up the Front Seven

Auburn’s defensive line has often been a strength of the team, but the Tigers are facing some key departures and question marks heading into 2025. After losing a few key contributors to the NFL draft, the defensive line will need to reload with new faces and a renewed sense of intensity. The team’s ability to get after the quarterback and stop the run will be integral to the defense’s success this season.

Candidates:

Jayson Jones – A veteran presence on the defensive line, Jones will be expected to lead the charge in 2025. Known for his strength and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Jones has the potential to be a game-changer. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop his technique, he could emerge as one of the SEC’s top defensive linemen.
Darron Reed – A sophomore who showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman season, Reed’s development in 2025 will be closely watched. His size and explosiveness make him a valuable asset, and his ability to improve his pass-rushing skills will be key to his growth. Reed could be the breakout star of Auburn’s defensive line this season.
Marcus Harris – Another experienced returner, Harris will be a crucial piece in Auburn’s defensive front. He brings both experience and a high motor to the position. His ability to set the edge and disrupt opposing running backs will be vital for Auburn’s defensive success.

Key Focus Areas:

Pass Rush Effectiveness: One of the biggest questions for Auburn’s defensive line heading into 2025 is whether they can generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A strong pass rush will be crucial for the Tigers to succeed in the SEC, and A-Day will provide an opportunity to see which players are capable of creating havoc in the backfield.
Run Defense and Gap Integrity: Auburn’s ability to stop the run was inconsistent last season, and this is an area where improvement is needed. The defensive line must maintain gap discipline and be able to shed blockers in order to shut down running backs.

The defensive line will be one of the most important groups to evaluate during A-Day, as it is a unit that could determine the success or failure of Auburn’s defense in 2025.

Auburn’s 2025 A-Day promises to be a thrilling event, offering fans a chance to see how the position battles are shaping up as the team looks to reclaim its place among the elite in the SEC. With intense competition at quarterback, wide receiver, and along the defensive line, there is plenty to watch as the Tigers look to improve on their recent performances. Each of these position battles could have a significant impact on Auburn’s fortunes this season, and the A-Day scrimmage will be the first real test for many players looking to make a statement. With so much at stake, the 2025 A-Day will undoubtedly be one to remember.