Three Auburn Tigers were highlighted on the Hogan Award Watch List, recognizing outstanding college football players for 2025.

As the 2025 college football season draws near, excitement is building not only for the overall season but also for the individual players who will help shape their teams’ success. The prestigious Hogan Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top college football player, has already begun to take shape with a few notable athletes being recognized as potential recipients. For Auburn University, the Tigers are well-represented this year, with three standout players being named to the 2025 Hogan Award Watch List.

This is a significant accomplishment for Auburn football, as it highlights the program’s talent and potential as they look to bounce back in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after a few years of inconsistency. Each of these players has the opportunity to not only elevate Auburn football but also to make their case for the prestigious award that has historically been awarded to some of the best talents in college football.

Let’s take a closer look at the three Auburn Tigers who made the list and what they bring to the table for the 2025 season.

1. Quarterback: Holden Geriner

The most high-profile player from Auburn on the 2025 Hogan Award Watch List is undoubtedly quarterback Holden Geriner. The sophomore signal-caller is entering his second year with the program, and after a promising freshman campaign, he’s poised to take on a leadership role for Auburn’s offense.

Geriner’s selection to the Hogan Award Watch List is a reflection of his potential to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC. His strong arm, quick release, and ability to read defenses made him a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school, and he showed flashes of brilliance during his early appearances in 2024. Geriner played in several games as a freshman, showcasing his dual-threat ability and his potential to lead the Tigers to success.

What makes Geriner such a dangerous quarterback is his dual-threat capability. He’s not just a pocket passer—he’s also an adept runner who can extend plays with his legs. This versatility is crucial in today’s college football, especially in the SEC, where teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are known for their physical and relentless defenses. With the right development under head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery, Geriner has all the tools to make an impact not just in the SEC, but also on a national level.

In 2025, Geriner will need to show that he can be consistent throughout an entire season. The question will be whether he can avoid the turnover issues that plagued Auburn’s offense in recent years and take control of the Tigers’ high-powered attack. Freeze’s system, known for creating mismatches and using tempo to keep defenses on their heels, is a perfect fit for a quarterback with Geriner’s talents. If he can prove himself as an elite SEC quarterback and lead Auburn to big victories, his name could rise to the top of the list of potential Heisman candidates by the end of the season.

Key Areas for Geriner in 2025:

• Consistency: The ability to perform week in and week out, especially in the tough SEC schedule.
• Turnovers: Reducing mistakes and making smarter decisions with the ball.
• Leadership: Stepping up as the leader of Auburn’s offense, both on and off the field.

2. Running Back: Jarquez Hunter

Another Auburn player to watch for the 2025 season is running back Jarquez Hunter. A junior who has already had some impressive seasons, Hunter has the ability to be one of the most explosive players in college football. He is an all-purpose back with a rare combination of speed, strength, and vision, making him a threat both in the running game and in the passing game.

Hunter was a standout performer for Auburn in 2023, racking up impressive yardage and proving to be one of the team’s most reliable weapons. He has shown the ability to break tackles and pick up big chunks of yards at any time, which is a major asset in a high-tempo offense like the one Freeze is implementing. But what truly sets Hunter apart is his ability to be utilized in multiple facets of the game. Whether running the ball between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Hunter is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

In 2025, Hunter will need to continue building on his previous performances and prove that he can be the workhorse back that Auburn needs to compete in the SEC. This will mean staying healthy, improving his blocking, and continuing to refine his vision to find the best running lanes. As Auburn’s offense begins to take shape under Freeze, Hunter will likely be the focal point of the running game, and how he performs will be critical to Auburn’s overall success.

Hunter’s inclusion on the Hogan Award Watch List is a clear indication that he’s recognized as one of the top running backs in the nation heading into the 2025 season. If he continues to produce at a high level, and if Geriner can provide a balanced attack at quarterback, Hunter could very well have a chance at competing for the prestigious award by the end of the season.

Key Areas for Hunter in 2025:

• Health and Durability: Maintaining his body to handle a full workload in the SEC.
• Pass Protection: Developing as a blocker to ensure that the passing game can thrive.
• Big Play Ability: Continuing to showcase his speed and vision in open space.

3. Defensive Line: Marcus Harris

While offense often steals the spotlight in college football, Auburn’s defense has the potential to be just as dynamic in 2025, with one player in particular standing out: defensive lineman Marcus Harris. Harris, a senior, has already made a name for himself as one of the top pass-rushers in the SEC, and his inclusion on the Hogan Award Watch List speaks to his potential to have an even bigger impact in 2025.

Harris is a physical specimen, known for his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, both as a pass-rusher and as a run stopper. His size and strength make him a force on the defensive line, and his relentless motor allows him to stay engaged on every play. In 2024, Harris led Auburn in sacks and tackles for loss, earning accolades for his performances in big games. As Auburn looks to solidify its defense under Hugh Freeze, Harris will play a pivotal role in keeping opposing offenses from having a field day against the Tigers.

For Harris to take the next step in 2025, he will need to continue to develop his pass-rushing technique and become even more disruptive in the backfield. As one of the top defensive players on Auburn’s roster, he will be expected to set the tone for the defense and take over games when needed. The ability to collapse the pocket and make quarterbacks uncomfortable will be crucial for Auburn, and Harris is in position to do just that.

A standout season from Harris would not only elevate Auburn’s defense but also put him in the conversation for national honors, including the Hogan Award. With several highly talented quarterbacks across the country, a dominant defensive player like Harris could quickly rise to prominence if he proves to be the difference-maker in key games for Auburn.

Key Areas for Harris in 2025:

• Pass Rush Development: Adding more moves to his repertoire to beat elite offensive tackles.
• Run Defense: Becoming more effective in stopping the run and anchoring the defensive line.
• Leadership: Being a vocal leader on defense and setting the tone for the team.

The Path Forward for Auburn Football

With these three players on the Hogan Award Watch List, Auburn football is in an excellent position to make significant strides in 2025. A strong season from Geriner, Hunter, and Harris could help Auburn make a push for the SEC Championship and perhaps even a College Football Playoff berth. These players represent the foundation of what could be a dynamic and exciting Auburn team, one that is capable of competing with the best in the country.

The 2025 season will be a defining year for Auburn football, and the performances of Geriner, Hunter, and Harris will go a long way toward determining the program’s success. With a new head coach in Hugh Freeze and a revamped roster, Auburn is hoping that this trio of stars will lead the charge toward a brighter future.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these three Auburn Tigers as they attempt to live up to the high expectations set before them. Whether they are able to capture the Hogan Award or help Auburn return to national prominence, 2025 could be the year that these players leave an indelible mark on college football.