Auburn begins its 2025 college football season on Friday evening in Waco, Texas, as the Tigers battle the Baylor Bears in an SEC-Big 12 matchup.
Hugh Freeze and his squad are attempting to return to winning ways after two consecutive losing seasons, including a 5-7 record in 2024. The talent is there for the Tigers to make a jump in their record, and it begins with the showdown against the Bears.
With so many new names and faces on the Auburn football roster, let's take a look at who the most important players are for each side of the ball, starting with offense.
Jackson Arnold (QB) - Freeze made sure not to stick with the status quo in the quarterback room, completely revamping it with the additions of Arnold from Oklahoma, Ashton Daniels from Stanford and Deuce Knight from the 2025 signing class.
Arnold is seen as a considerable improvement over what the Tigers have had behind center in the last three seasons. A former 5-star recruit, Arnold played in 10 games for the Sooners last season, completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for three more scores. If Auburn wants to take the leap on offense, Arnold must prove to be the man that everyone thought he would be by staying in the pocket, going through his progressions and then taking off when nothing is there.
Eric Singleton Jr. (WR) - Considered the top wide receiver in this offseason's transfer portal, Singleton brings the entire package after putting up 754 receiving yards and three touchdowns for Georgia Tech last season. He reminds some of KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who led Auburn in receiving yards last season. While he might not be as productive, there is pressure on him to be reliable in the passing game.
Xavier Chaplin (LT) - Anyone who has followed Auburn football for the past several seasons knows that when it comes to finding a standout left tackle who can protect the quarterback's blindside, the Tigers have failed. Chaplin might finally be that guy for Jake Thornton's offensive line after transferring in from Virginia Tech. He joins a unit that has vast experience and should be improved in every area. His job is simple: give Arnold time to throw the ball.
Cam Coleman (WR) - Coleman was productive as a freshman, putting up 37 catches for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. Now, he will be expected to produce larger numbers on the field. The Phenix City, Ala., native is explosive with speed and jumping ability that makes him a difficult receiver to cover. He's the perfect complement to Singleton in this offense.
Damari Alston (RB) - After waiting two years in the wings, it is finally time for Alston to show he can be the workhorse and feature running back in Auburn's offense. While he doesn't have to do it all by himself, as Jeremiah Cobb, Durell Robinson and Omar Mabson are capable of carrying the ball as well, it is time for him to prove he can be counted on for 15-20 carries a game.
Honorable mention: Cobb (RB), Horatio Fields (WR), Malcolm Simmons (WR), Connor Lew (C)