Six Tigers Earn All-SEC Honors: Auburn’s Core Shines in Landmark Season
In a season defined by resilience, leadership, and breakthrough performances, six Auburn Tigers have been named to the All-SEC team, marking a significant milestone for a program determined to reassert its dominance in the Southeastern Conference.
The SEC, widely regarded as the toughest football conference in the country, is not generous with its accolades. To be selected for the All-SEC team is not merely an individual honor—it’s a statement that a player has stood tall against the nation’s best, week after week. For Auburn to place six players on this year’s team is a powerful indicator of how far the program has come under head coach Hugh Freeze and how much higher it can go.
Below, we break down each of Auburn’s All-SEC selections, their individual journeys, their impact on the Tigers’ success, and what this collective recognition means for the future of Auburn football.
The face of Auburn’s defense in 2025, senior defensive lineman Johni Broome made history this season—not only becoming a unanimous All-American but now adding First-Team All-SEC honors to his growing trophy case.
Broome was nothing short of dominant. With 13.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 5 forced fumbles, his presence disrupted every offensive game plan. His motor never slowed, even against the best offensive lines the SEC had to offer. From swallowing up Georgia’s run game to collapsing Alabama’s pocket in the Iron Bowl, Broome was a one-man wrecking crew.
He anchored a defensive unit that quietly became one of the league’s most formidable, and his leadership—both vocal and by example—elevated the play of those around him.
“This is a guy who could’ve left last year,” said Freeze. “But he stayed to lead. And now he’s earned every bit of this.”
Few could have predicted the resurgence of Payton Thorne, the Michigan State transfer whose first season at Auburn in 2023 was marred by inconsistency. But in 2025, he silenced doubters with an electric campaign that saw him throw for over 3,400 yards, rush for 600 more, and account for 32 total touchdowns.
Thorne’s poise, decision-making, and leadership transformed the Auburn offense from a liability into one of the most balanced units in the conference. He was especially lethal in clutch moments, engineering comeback wins over LSU and Texas A&M with ice in his veins.
His Second-Team All-SEC selection reflects both individual excellence and the belief that Auburn finally found a quarterback capable of winning big games again.
In a league teeming with elite running backs, Jarquez Hunter still stood out. The senior tailback ran for 1,310 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles and extend plays after contact made him the heartbeat of Auburn’s ground game.
Hunter’s vision and patience—honed over years of hard work—were on full display throughout the season. But it wasn’t just what he did with the ball in his hands. His pass blocking, his leadership in the locker room, and his refusal to go down on first contact made him a favorite of fans and coaches alike.
“He’s the most complete back I’ve ever coached,” said running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams.
Auburn’s secondary quietly became a no-fly zone in 2025, and senior cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett was the reason why. Tasked each week with shutting down the opponent’s top receiver, Pritchett delivered lockdown coverage, 4 interceptions, and 15 pass deflections.
Pritchett combined elite athleticism with veteran savvy, rarely giving up big plays and often baiting quarterbacks into poor throws. His All-SEC selection is a testament to his consistency, ball skills, and elite coverage instincts.
NFL scouts have taken notice, and he’s now projected as a top-40 pick in the upcoming draft.
Auburn’s defense wouldn’t have been complete without Cam Riley, the relentless senior linebacker who did a bit of everything for the Tigers. With 97 tackles, 3 sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown, Riley was the glue guy for Auburn’s defense.
His ability to diagnose plays quickly and cover sideline-to-sideline allowed Auburn to thrive even against uptempo SEC offenses. He was instrumental in containing mobile quarterbacks and shutting down running backs in space.
Riley’s journey from rotational player to Second-Team All-SEC selection speaks to his development and work ethic.
“Cam Riley is the smartest guy on the field every Saturday,” said defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. “And probably the toughest too.”
The biggest surprise on Auburn’s All-SEC list might be Shane Hooks, the Jackson State transfer who emerged as Thorne’s favorite target. With 64 receptions for 1,021 yards and 9 touchdowns, Hooks gave Auburn a true vertical threat who could also move the chains in key moments.
His combination of size (6’4″), hands, and body control made him a nightmare matchup, especially in red zone situations. Whether it was a one-handed snag against Arkansas or a game-winning grab over double coverage against Florida, Hooks consistently made highlight-reel plays.
His chemistry with Thorne was undeniable and helped Auburn maintain offensive rhythm all year.
The presence of six Auburn players on the All-SEC roster is more than just individual recognition—it’s an affirmation of a culture shift.
Just two seasons ago, Auburn struggled to reach bowl eligibility. Now, the Tigers are sending shockwaves through the conference, backed by elite individual performances and united team chemistry. Freeze, entering his third year, has rebuilt the foundation of Auburn football around discipline, accountability, and talent development.
“People see the wins, but it’s what happens behind closed doors that leads to awards like these,” Freeze said. “This group earned it. They bought in. They worked. And now they’re being recognized for what Auburn football is all about—tough, smart, relentless competitors.”
Six All-SEC selections not only validate the 2025 campaign—they supercharge Auburn’s recruiting momentum.
Prospects want to go where players develop. Recruits are watching Auburn transform transfers and under-recruited high school athletes into conference stars and future NFL draft picks. It’s a signal to the rest of the SEC that Auburn is back in the business of building dynasties, not just rebuilding.
With the early signing period approaching and several top-100 recruits still on Auburn’s board, the program’s recent success—and individual recognition—is likely to tip decisions in Auburn’s favor.
