Get ready, Auburn fans! 🔥 The 2025 football season is almost here, and our Tigers are stacked with talent. From breakout defensive stars to game-changing transfers, this roster is buzzing with potential. Who do YOU think will be the biggest difference-maker on the field this year?
Anticipation is at an all-time high as the Auburn Tigers prepare to kick off their 2025 football season against Baylor, a crucial Week One opener that could set the tone for a monumental year. After two seasons marked by inconsistency and unmet expectations, Head Coach Hugh Freeze has meticulously assembled a roster now widely considered capable of competing among the nation’s elite, thanks to consecutive top-10 recruiting classes and strategic maneuvers in the transfer portal. This revitalized squad has many within the Auburn faithful harboring hopes not just for significant improvement in Freeze’s third year, but even genuine College Football Playoff aspirations for the Auburn Tigers.
As the Tigers and Bears gear up for their Friday night showdown, the spotlight intensifies on key players poised to make a profound impact throughout the 2025 Football campaign. This year’s roster, arguably the most talented in nearly a decade, features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans, impactful newcomers, and potential breakout stars. Fans are eager to see how these individual talents coalesce into a formidable team, especially given the high stakes and heightened expectations surrounding the program.
Among the most compelling names in Preseason Awards discussions is sophomore cornerback Jay Crawford. Often regarded as one of College Football’s most underrated defensive backs, Crawford has earned high praise, including a notable mention from Pro Football Focus. His standout 2024 freshman season saw him record 15 tackles and an impressive seven pass breakups, garnering SEC All-Freshman team honors and On3 True Freshman All-America recognition, solidifying his status as a pivotal defensive asset.
While Jay Crawford promises significant defensive prowess, junior defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. has also generated considerable buzz, featuring prominently in many NFL mock drafts. Despite his immense talent and potential to be Auburn’s most dominant defensive player, opposing offensive coordinators will undoubtedly devise schemes to limit his production. However, Crawford’s consistent impact, coupled with the talent of junior cornerback Kayin Lee, could form one of the nation’s premier corner duos, elevating the entire defensive unit for the Auburn Tigers.
On the offensive side, the addition of junior wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. through the transfer portal is a game-changer. After two productive seasons at Georgia Tech, where he amassed 1,468 yards and nine touchdowns on 104 receptions, Singleton quickly became the top-rated wide receiver and No. 5 overall player in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings. His arrival is considered one of the most critical pickups, instantly making him a lethal weapon for the Auburn Tigers‘ aerial attack and a key figure in their offensive resurgence.
Defensive depth also received a significant boost with junior cornerback Jerrin Thompson, a solid portal addition who joins an already strong unit. Thompson, named to the Walter Camp Preseason All-America team after a stellar season at Tulane, recorded 35 tackles, three pass breakups, and a memorable 100-yard pick-six. Expected to contribute significantly as a key kickoff returner, Thompson is a name many anticipate will become widely recognized by season’s end, further solidifying the Tigers’ defensive backfield.
Another highly anticipated breakout candidate is sophomore wide receiver Perry Thompson. Emerging from spring practice and A-Day as a top name to watch, the former five-star recruit is expected to play a sizable role in the offense this season. Despite limited action in 2024, Thompson’s year of development and increased understanding of the playbook position him to become one of Auburn’s most valued wideouts, adding another explosive element to the offensive scheme and enhancing the team’s overall dynamism in College Football.
Finally, the linebacker room, facing some uncertainty, could see a significant rise from sophomore DeMario Tolan Atkins. Having appeared in only seven games as a freshman at LSU, Atkins’ speed and downhill playing style could make him a vital contributor for Auburn in 2025 Football. Watch for Atkins to capitalize on increased playing time and make a substantial impact as the season progresses, further bolstering the Tigers’ defensive capabilities and contributing to their pursuit of success.
