From Backup to Starter: Auburn Tigers Are in the Alston RB Era.

In the fast-paced world of college football, change is often constant. The 2025 season represents a turning point for Auburn Tigers football, with one of the most significant developments being the emergence of Jarquez Alston as the team’s starting running back. After years of being a reliable backup, Alston has now ascended to the top of the depth chart, becoming the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense. This transition marks the beginning of what could be a transformative era for Auburn football, as Alston’s unique skill set, determination, and maturity make him the perfect player to lead the team’s backfield.

Jarquez Alston’s journey from backup to starter has been anything but typical. His rise to prominence is a reflection of not only his personal growth and development but also the shifting dynamics within Auburn’s football program. This article explores Alston’s evolution, the circumstances that led to his ascension, and what his leadership in the backfield means for the Auburn Tigers moving forward.

When Jarquez Alston first arrived at Auburn University, he was a highly regarded recruit with immense potential. Alston had earned accolades in high school for his explosive speed, physicality, and versatility as a running back, traits that immediately caught the attention of the Auburn coaching staff. However, as with many talented recruits, Alston’s early years at Auburn were marked by the need to wait his turn behind established players.

During his first few seasons, Alston found himself in a backup role, learning from veterans and contributing as a part of a deep running back rotation. Players like Tank Bigsby, who had been a standout in the Auburn backfield, took the majority of the carries, leaving Alston to bide his time. While this was undoubtedly frustrating for the young running back, it also provided him with an invaluable opportunity to develop his skills, refine his understanding of the game, and build the mental toughness required to thrive in the competitive environment of college football.

In the midst of these seasons as a backup, Alston was able to showcase flashes of his talent when given the opportunity. Whether it was as a change-of-pace back, a receiving option out of the backfield, or filling in for an injured starter, Alston’s contributions were always noticeable. He was never one to shy away from the spotlight, and even in limited action, he displayed the attributes that made him a future star.

But despite his potential, Alston’s path to starting was not guaranteed. As Auburn’s offense evolved under head coach Hugh Freeze, competition for the starting running back spot became fierce. However, through consistent work ethic and performance in practice, Alston steadily built a case for himself as the leader of the Tigers’ backfield.

The 2025 season brought significant changes to Auburn’s running back room, providing Alston with the perfect opportunity to step into the starting role. The departure of Tank Bigsby, one of Auburn’s most accomplished running backs in recent years, left a hole in the backfield that needed to be filled. While the Tigers had other talented backs on the roster, including promising freshmen and experienced upperclassmen, it was Alston who ultimately emerged as the front-runner for the starting position.

Auburn’s offensive system under Hugh Freeze, which emphasizes a dynamic and fast-paced attack, was a perfect fit for Alston’s skill set. His combination of speed, vision, and strength made him an ideal candidate to carry the load in Freeze’s high-octane offense. Additionally, Alston’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield added another dimension to the offense, allowing Auburn to diversify its attack and keep opposing defenses off balance.

As spring practices progressed, it became increasingly clear that Alston had separated himself from the pack. His consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in crucial moments made him the clear choice to take over as the Tigers’ starting running back. What had once been a backup role was now his to own.

Jarquez Alston’s rise to the starting role isn’t just a product of circumstances; it is also a reflection of his considerable talent and work ethic. To understand why Alston is the perfect fit for Auburn’s offense, it’s essential to break down the attributes that make him such a special running back.

1. Speed and Agility

Alston’s most distinguishing trait is his explosiveness. Whether he’s hitting the hole, bouncing to the outside, or running downfield, Alston possesses breakaway speed that can turn any play into a home run. His quick first step and ability to change direction at full speed make him difficult for defenders to handle in open space. When given a crease, Alston is capable of outrunning most defenders, making him a constant threat to score every time he touches the ball.

2. Vision and Patience

While speed is a key part of his game, Alston also has the vision to find running lanes and the patience to let plays develop. He understands the blocking schemes and is able to wait for holes to open before accelerating through them. This combination of patience and vision allows Alston to consistently gain positive yardage and avoid unnecessary losses, something that is critical for any running back looking to sustain long drives.

3. Power and Toughness

Although Alston is known for his speed, he is not just a finesse back. He has the strength to break tackles and push through contact, making him a threat in short-yardage situations. His lower-body strength and balance allow him to stay on his feet after taking hits, often picking up additional yards after contact. This physicality makes Alston a versatile running back who can excel in a variety of situations, from outside runs to between-the-tackles carries.

4. Pass-Catching Ability

In today’s college football landscape, running backs are often asked to do more than just run the ball. Alston is a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, which makes him an even more dangerous weapon in Auburn’s spread offense. His ability to catch passes and create mismatches in the passing game adds a layer of versatility to his game, making it harder for defenses to predict his usage.

5. Football IQ and Leadership

Beyond his physical attributes, Alston has a high football IQ. He’s a student of the game, constantly studying opponents, improving his technique, and learning from both his successes and mistakes. As the leader of Auburn’s backfield, Alston has grown into a vocal leader who holds his teammates accountable and motivates them to reach their full potential. His leadership qualities extend beyond the field, where he serves as a mentor to younger players and a source of inspiration for his teammates.

With Jarquez Alston now officially the starting running back, his leadership is expected to have a profound impact on Auburn’s offensive scheme. In college football, the running back position often serves as the focal point of an offense, and Alston’s ability to excel as both a runner and a pass-catcher will allow Auburn’s offense to become more dynamic and unpredictable.

The success of Auburn’s running game under Alston will also take pressure off the Tigers’ quarterback, who will benefit from play-action opportunities and a balanced attack. Alston’s ability to break big runs and consistently move the chains will help control the clock and keep opposing defenses on their heels. As Auburn’s offensive line works to gel and develop cohesion under new coaching, Alston’s vision and patience will be key to ensuring that the run game remains effective, even when the line is still finding its rhythm.

In addition, Alston’s presence in the backfield should open up passing lanes for Auburn’s wide receivers. Defenses will be forced to respect the run, which could create one-on-one matchups for the Tigers’ playmakers on the outside. With a threat like Alston in the backfield, Auburn’s offense has the potential to be much more balanced, allowing the coaching staff to call plays that exploit mismatches across the field

With Jarquez Alston firmly established as the starting running back, Auburn’s football program enters a new era in its backfield. Alston’s ascension is just one part of a larger transformation taking place under head coach Hugh Freeze, whose offensive philosophy focuses on speed, versatility, and unpredictability. Alston’s skill set aligns perfectly with Freeze’s vision, and as the centerpiece of the offense, he will have the opportunity to carry Auburn to new heights.

The Alston era is about more than just his individual success; it’s about what his rise symbolizes for the Auburn football program. It’s a story of perseverance, development, and opportunity, where a backup running back has evolved into the leader of one of the most important units on the team. With his talent, leadership, and determination, Alston has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at Auburn University.

As the Tigers look to the future, the Alston-led offense will play a pivotal role in their aspirations for conference championships and national contention. Alston’s ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments, his all-around game, and his leadership qualities make him not only the present of Auburn football but also the future.

The Tigers are now in the Alston RB era, and with him at the helm of their backfield, Auburn fans can expect an exciting, dynamic brand of football that highlights the best qualities of their star running back.