SEC Media Days came and went — and not a single Auburn running back made the preseason All-SEC ballot.
Not even listed to vote for.
That’s not just surprising — that’s downright disrespectful.
I am not sure if it was an oversight. I am not sure if there just were not enough spaces on the ballots and they had to cut it off some where. However, I am sure Auburn just had one of the league leaders in rushing, last season in Jarquez Hunter. I am sure Hugh Freeze, in both of his seasons as Auburn’s head coach, has had a team that ranked in the top half in the conference in rushing. While I get understand that neither of these backs have done much, YET, it feels like an oversight to not even consider them worth of a spot on the ballot.
Let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t about a lack of talent. Auburn has a quality running back room.
Damari Alston has patiently waited his turn behind Jarquez Hunter and now steps into the spotlight with 681 career rushing yards and a healthy 5.24 yards per carry. Cobb? He’s dynamic, especially as a pass catcher, with two receiving touchdowns last season and a 5.06 YPC average on the ground. These aren’t scrubs — they just haven’t had the volume yet to make national headlines. But that’s about to change.
So why the snub? It comes down to visibility and opportunity. Auburn is coming off a 5–7 season, and nationally, the offense is still seen as inconsistent and turnover-prone. SEC media voters don’t always dig deep — they vote off production and hype. And while Auburn’s receiver room has stars like Cam Coleman, the backfield hasn’t had its breakout yet.
But that breakout is coming.
Hugh Freeze has said it himself: Damari Alston is better than folks realize. And with a retooled offensive line that’s deeper, more experienced, and features All-SEC center Connor Lew, Auburn is finally in position to establish a dominant ground game again.
Let’s also not forget the context — Freeze wants to run the ball about 60% of the time. With Jackson Arnold’s legs and Auburn’s revamped scheme, expect a lot more rushing attempts. And with Alston handling the tough between-the-tackles work and Cobb stretching defenses on the edge and through the air, this duo is built to thrive.
The disrespect from SEC Media Days? That’s fuel. And according to what Damari told us directly — they’ve got a plan. They’re coming.
So what should fans expect in 2025?
Auburn’s running game should quietly become one of the most dangerous in the league — especially if defenses focus too much on Auburn’s loaded receiver corps. If Jackson Arnold can keep defenses honest with his arm, that opens up lanes for Alston and Cobb to cook. And if the offensive line holds up, don’t be shocked if both backs are in the conversation for postseason honors by year’s end.
So yes, it’s disrespectful. But it might be just what this Auburn team needs.
Time to remind folks what Auburn football is really about.
Check out the full conversation with Mike G and C-Dub:
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