The 2025 AMBUSH tour visits three cities, featuring Hugh Freeze, Butch Thompson, Steven Pearl, DJ Durkin, Derrick Nix, Larry Vickers, John Cohen, and others.

Few traditions stir Auburn pride quite like the AMBUSH Tour. More than a traveling pep rally, the AMBUSH Tour serves as a vital link between the Plains and the Auburn family spread across the Southeast. In 2025, this celebrated tour is back with a vengeance—visiting three cities and bringing along some of the most influential figures in Auburn sports, including football coach Hugh Freeze, baseball coach Butch Thompson, basketball assistant Steven Pearl, and several other major athletic staff members and boosters.

From high-stakes football updates to behind-the-scenes recruiting insight and heartfelt moments with the Auburn faithful, the AMBUSH Tour is about connection, inspiration, and the unwavering loyalty that defines the Auburn experience. Here’s how the 2025 edition is leaving its mark and why it matters more than ever.

Three Cities, One Family

This year’s tour will make stops in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Atlanta—each a hotbed of Auburn alumni, fans, and prospective student-athletes. In every city, the energy is unmistakable. Whether it’s fans wearing orange and blue, children lining up for autographs, or former players showing support, each stop reflects a family gathering more than a corporate event.

“These events aren’t just about updates from our coaches,” said John Cohen, Auburn’s athletic director. “They’re about reconnecting with our Auburn people. They’re about pride, passion, and the belief that we are stronger together.”

Hugh Freeze: “This Program is Building Something Special”

Head football coach Hugh Freeze drew much of the attention at every stop—and rightfully so. After an 8-5 season that saw flashes of brilliance mixed with growing pains, Freeze is heading into year two with a roster full of young talent, marquee transfers, and perhaps the best recruiting class Auburn has seen in a decade.

“Our guys are working harder than ever,” Freeze told fans in Montgomery. “And with this incoming class, I believe Auburn football is turning a corner. We’re not just here to compete—we’re here to win championships.”

Freeze also took time to speak about the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly with NIL and the transfer portal, and reassured fans that Auburn’s leadership is committed to adapting.

“We’re going to stay competitive in every phase,” Freeze said. “That means NIL, that means facilities, that means player development. We’re all in.”

Butch Thompson: Stability and Success on the Diamond

Fresh off another deep postseason run, Auburn baseball coach Butch Thompson continues to be a rock of consistency for the Tigers’ athletic department. His message during the AMBUSH Tour centered around perseverance, player growth, and the unmatched character of his team.

“We don’t just develop players—we develop young men who represent Auburn with class,” said Thompson. “Every win, every pitch, every moment we wear Auburn across our chest—it matters.”

Fans responded warmly to Thompson’s anecdotes about walk-ons becoming starters, late-game heroics at Plainsman Park, and his vision for the program’s future, which includes facility upgrades and continued national competitiveness.

Steven Pearl Brings Basketball Buzz

Though Bruce Pearl couldn’t attend the tour himself due to a recruiting trip, his son and assistant coach Steven Pearl brought the same fire and charisma that’s become synonymous with Auburn basketball. Steven delivered updates on returning stars, the Tigers’ aggressive style of play, and how the team is preparing for another SEC title run.

“Auburn basketball is built on grit, toughness, and connection,” Pearl said. “We’re going to outwork everybody. And with the players we have coming back and coming in, we believe this could be a special year.”

Pearl also spoke about Auburn’s passionate fan base and how it fuels the team during key matchups, especially at Neville Arena, which continues to be one of the loudest venues in college hoops.

Spotlight on Staff: DJ Durkin, Derrick Nix, Larry Vickers

The AMBUSH Tour also featured appearances from key support staff and assistant coaches who are often the backbone of program success.

Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin emphasized the aggressive identity he’s instilling in Auburn’s defense. “We want to fly to the football, be physical at the point of attack, and take the ball away,” Durkin said. “Every practice is a chance to build that edge.”

Running backs coach Derrick Nix, one of the top recruiters in the Southeast, talked about the importance of relationships. “We’re going into living rooms, talking to families, and showing them what makes Auburn different,” Nix said. “And trust me—kids are listening.”

Larry Vickers, director of player development, gave perhaps the most emotional speech of the tour, focusing on the personal growth and academic success of Auburn’s student-athletes. “We’re not just building football players,” Vickers said. “We’re building leaders, fathers, husbands, and citizens.”

Fan Engagement Like No Other

At each tour stop, fans participated in Q&A sessions, received exclusive merchandise, and had chances to interact with coaches and players. For many, these moments are priceless.

“This is my third AMBUSH, and it just keeps getting better,” said lifelong Auburn fan Mary Ellen Davis from Birmingham. “You leave feeling like you’re part of something bigger—like you matter.”

Auburn’s spirit squads and mascot Aubie also added to the festivities, entertaining children and energizing crowds during photo ops and autograph sessions.

The program’s social media team amplified the experience by sharing real-time clips, fan reactions, and memorable quotes from each night. Engagement surged across platforms, especially among younger demographics, ensuring that the AMBUSH Tour isn’t just a local event—it’s a viral moment of pride.

The Importance of Showing Up

The 2025 AMBUSH Tour may only span three cities, but its impact is statewide and beyond. In an era where college athletics faces challenges ranging from athlete compensation to conference realignment, Auburn’s willingness to meet its fans where they are is a powerful gesture.

“There’s something very old-school and very modern about this tour,” said longtime radio host Andy Burcham, who emceed the events. “It’s about shaking hands, answering questions, and looking people in the eye. That still matters. Especially now.”

Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Unified Vision

As the tour wrapped up in Atlanta, John Cohen closed with a call to action: “Auburn’s best days are ahead. But it’s going to take all of us pulling in the same direction. Coaches. Fans. Donors. Students. This tour shows what’s possible when we show up.”

The AMBUSH Tour has always been about more than sports—it’s about values. Hard work. Integrity. Loyalty. Family.