League coaches recognize four Tigers as preseason All-SEC.
Four Tigers Recognized as Preseason All-SEC by League Coaches
As the SEC football season draws near, the anticipation surrounding teams is building. Among the most talked-about programs, the Auburn Tigers stand out with high expectations for the upcoming season. In a recent announcement by league coaches, four Auburn Tigers were named to the prestigious Preseason All-SEC list. This recognition highlights the team’s talent and the promising future of its roster. The acknowledgment of these standout players not only reflects their individual abilities but also sets the stage for Auburn’s aspirations to challenge for supremacy in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
The All-SEC Honor
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most prestigious football conferences in the nation. Its teams are consistently at the forefront of college football, competing at the highest levels of performance and drawing national attention each season. As such, a spot on the Preseason All-SEC team is a significant honor and a reflection of a player’s excellence and potential.
The All-SEC team is selected by the conference’s head coaches, who evaluate players across a variety of metrics, including past performance, skill set, leadership, and future potential. Players chosen for the preseason list are typically those expected to be key contributors to their teams’ success in the upcoming season. Recognition by coaches is a testament to these players’ hard work, consistency, and ability to stand out in a league filled with talent.
Key Auburn Tigers on the Preseason All-SEC List
The Auburn Tigers had four players who earned a spot on the 2025 Preseason All-SEC team. Each of these athletes brings a unique skill set to the table, and their presence on the list is a promising sign for Auburn’s football program as they aim for another successful season.
1. Javaris Johnson – Wide Receiver
One of the standout selections from Auburn was wide receiver Javaris Johnson. Recognized for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Johnson is poised to play a pivotal role in Auburn’s offense this season. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds, Johnson may not be the biggest wide receiver on the field, but his ability to stretch the defense with his quickness and sharp route running makes him a constant threat.
Johnson had a breakout year in 2024, posting impressive numbers as one of the team’s top receiving targets. With 75 receptions for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns, Johnson established himself as a consistent playmaker for Auburn’s offense. His chemistry with Auburn’s quarterbacks and his ability to make explosive plays after the catch have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the SEC.
As a preseason All-SEC selection, Johnson is expected to be a key figure in Auburn’s passing attack, providing a deep threat and a reliable target for whichever quarterback leads the offense. The Tigers’ success will likely depend on his continued development and ability to make game-changing plays.
2. Tank Bigsby – Running Back
Another standout player for Auburn is running back Tank Bigsby. The 6’0″, 210-pound back has been a dominant force in the SEC for the past few seasons and is expected to continue his upward trajectory in 2025. Bigsby is known for his combination of power, speed, and vision. He has the ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in tight spaces, and his ability to hit home runs with breakaway runs has made him one of the most feared running backs in college football.
In 2024, Bigsby rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, leading Auburn’s offense and consistently putting the team in scoring position. His physical running style, combined with his ability to make plays in the open field, makes him a dual-threat back who can take over games.
As one of the most consistent and productive running backs in the SEC, Bigsby’s inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC list is well deserved. Auburn will rely heavily on Bigsby’s presence in the backfield to control the clock and open up passing lanes for the offense. The Tigers’ ability to succeed will rest in large part on Bigsby’s performance throughout the season.
3. Owen Pappoe – Linebacker
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Owen Pappoe was named to the Preseason All-SEC team. Pappoe is an explosive and versatile defender who can make an impact in all areas of the game. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 225 pounds, Pappoe combines speed and strength to be an all-around playmaker in the heart of Auburn’s defense.
Pappoe has been a key contributor for Auburn throughout his career, excelling both as a tackler and a pass rusher. In 2024, he registered 120 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. His range and football IQ make him a constant presence in the middle of the field, and his leadership in the locker room has been invaluable to Auburn’s defense.
As a Preseason All-SEC selection, Pappoe is expected to be one of the top linebackers in the conference once again. He is a sideline-to-sideline player who can handle multiple roles and will be a key piece in Auburn’s defensive scheme. Pappoe’s ability to shut down the run and disrupt the passing game will be crucial as Auburn looks to improve defensively in 2025.
4. Keiondre Jones – Offensive Line
The fourth Auburn Tiger named to the Preseason All-SEC list is offensive lineman Keiondre Jones. As a 6’3″, 330-pound powerhouse, Jones has been a mainstay on the Auburn offensive line for the past few seasons. His size and strength make him a dominant force in the trenches, and he has consistently provided excellent protection for Auburn’s quarterbacks and running backs.
Jones’ ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, both as a run blocker and a pass protector, has made him one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC. In 2024, he helped pave the way for a rushing attack that ranked among the top in the conference, and his ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside was key in allowing Auburn’s passing attack to develop.
As an experienced and talented player, Jones is expected to be a cornerstone of Auburn’s offensive line in 2025. His ability to handle powerful SEC defensive linemen and create running lanes for Tank Bigsby and the other Auburn backs will be pivotal for the Tigers’ offense. Jones’ presence up front gives Auburn a solid foundation on which to build a balanced and effective offensive scheme.
What This Means for Auburn
The inclusion of these four players on the Preseason All-SEC team is a significant achievement for Auburn, showcasing the strength and potential of the Tigers’ roster. With a blend of explosive playmakers on offense and a dynamic, disruptive defense, Auburn is positioned to compete at a high level in the SEC.
These players are expected to play key roles in Auburn’s success this season. The team’s success will depend not only on the individual performances of these stars but also on their ability to work together and execute the game plan. With a strong foundation of talent, Auburn will look to challenge SEC powerhouses and make a run for the conference championship.
For fans and analysts alike, the recognition of these four players as Preseason All-SEC selections signals that Auburn is ready to return to its rightful place among the elite teams in college football. Whether it’s through Bigsby’s powerful running, Johnson’s dynamic receiving, Pappoe’s playmaking ability, or Jones’ dominance in the trenches, Auburn is poised to make a statement in the SEC this season.
As the 2025 SEC football season approaches, the spotlight is on Auburn, with four key players receiving the well-deserved honor of being named to the Preseason All-SEC team. With explosive talent on both sides of the ball, the Tigers have the potential to make a significant impact in the conference this season. The recognition of Javaris Johnson, Tank Bigsby, Owen Pappoe, and Keiondre Jones is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and skill, and it sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Auburn fans can look forward to seeing these players lead their team as they chase after SEC supremacy and beyond.
