There’s no hiding the history of how good Auburn football is at producing dominant running backs.

Jarquez Hunter was the latest to etch his name onto that list after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 NFL draft.

It’s very possible that multiple Tigers may join that list sooner rather than later. The Auburn backfield in 2025 season is poised to have the perfect blend of youth and experience.

“Damari Alston probably has not shown his full potential, and we probably haven’t given him credit for as good as he is,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said during SEC media days.

“You have somebody like Jarquez that’s in front of him, and one of the things that Jarquez had that was unique was his stamina, and he really could handle a lot of plays, which limited in a lot of games the touches that you’d see for Damari or Jeremiah Cobb last year. I’m really excited for them to get their shot.”

Here’s a preview of Auburn’s 2025 running back room.

Players

*Damari Alston— Senior

Jeremiah Cobb–Junior

Durell Robinson— Sophomore, UConn transfer

Alvin Henderson— Freshman

Omar Mabson— Freshman

Justin Jones— Senior, UAB transfer

Christian Burnette— Sophomore

Cole Gamble— Redshirt freshman

*Indicates projected starter

What to know

Alston is the most experienced player in this position group, splitting majority of his career reps with Hunter.

Totaling 681 career yards and four touchdowns with the Tigers, Alston will be looked as not only the likely starter to open the season, but one of the leaders of Auburn’s offense.

Cobb is expected to make the transition from primary returner to the backfield behind Alston. Last season, Cobb ranked third in the SEC averaging 23.6 return yards per attempt.

However, his 260 career rushing yards and two touchdowns has Freeze expecting a breakout season from the junior back.

“He’s (Cobb) super talented. Great long speed. I just don’t think he’s had enough touches to show what he can really do,” Freeze said.

Robinson rushed for 731 yards and eight touchdowns last season, helping lead UConn to an 8-4 record. With plans of being the third back in the rotation, Robinson will make his debut in fall camp after missing the spring period with an injury.

The freshmen options in Henderson and Mabson will also be key competitors as Auburn figures out their depth chart.

Henderson led the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns in his senior season at Elba. He finished with 3,620 yards and 62 touchdowns, earning Alabama Gatorade player of the year.

Mabson rushed for 1,382 yards and 28 touchdowns on 201 carries last season at Auburn high. He also caught 11 passes for 185 yards and three scores.

With the future of the offense being built around this running back duo, Freeze believes they will factor into the Auburn offense.

“Alvin has a bright, bright future and he might surprise us early on, and Omar,” Freeze added.

Jones and Burnette will have to work twice as hard during camp to see the field this fall.

Jones, a Bessemer native saw most of his time on Auburn’s special teams since transferring from UAB.

Burnette was a first-team Class 5A All-State player as an athlete back in 2023. He rushed for 1,205 yards and 16 TDs on 178 carries at Faith Academy.

After accepting a preferred walk-on opportunity at Auburn, Burnette saw his first game action against ULM last season.

“I think that room is solid. I don’t know that people would look at it and say it’s elite, but I don’t think there’s any way that would be a reason we don’t win football games,” Freeze said.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].