Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has been relentless on the recruiting trail, and in 2025, the Tigers may finally reap the rewards. With a favorable schedule this fall and back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes, along with a highly ranked transfer haul in December, Auburn is well-positioned for success.
Perhaps even Heisman-level success. Jack Ward of Saturday Blitz recently explored potential breakout stars for the 2025 season in his article, “5 College Football Players Who Are Breakout Candidates for the 2025 Season,” and the first name he highlighted was Cam Coleman.
Ward believes the arrival of quarterback Jackson Arnold could elevate Coleman to elite status.
“The former five-star recruit didn’t quite reach the same level as fellow Class of 2024 receivers Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams due to Auburn’s offensive struggles,” Ward noted. “However, Coleman possesses the athleticism and talent to become a true star.”
After a slow start, Coleman exploded in the Tigers’ final three games, recording 22 receptions for 306 yards and six touchdowns. His production should improve with key additions from the transfer portal, including quarterback Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma and highly regarded offensive linemen Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy.
The 6’3″ receiver will also benefit from the presence of Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr., who should help prevent constant double teams.
For Coleman to contend for any major individual awards—let alone the Heisman—Arnold must avoid falling back into his Oklahoma tendencies. In the Sooners’ biggest win of 2024 against Alabama, Arnold attempted just 11 passes.
If Freeze, Derrick Nix, and Kent Austin can help Arnold rediscover his high school form, Coleman may have the opportunity to showcase his full potential.
