As Auburn football gears up for the 2025 season under second-year head coach Hugh Freeze, all eyes are on the defensive backfield, particularly the cornerback room. While Freeze’s offensive overhaul often garners the headlines, the Tigers’ secondary—anchored by its cornerbacks—could quietly become one of the team’s most pivotal units. With a blend of veteran leadership, rising talent, and promising newcomers, the cornerback position is primed to be a strength in what could be a critical campaign for Auburn’s trajectory in the SEC.
This comprehensive preview will break down returning players, notable departures, newcomers, scheme fit, and expectations for 2025 as Auburn attempts to reestablish itself as a defensive powerhouse in a conference known for high-octane offenses.
The 2024 Season in Review: Growing Pains and Promise
Auburn’s cornerbacks had a roller-coaster 2024 campaign. The Tigers finished middle-of-the-pack in the SEC in passing defense, allowing 217.4 yards per game through the air. At times, the secondary played stout coverage, especially against teams like Ole Miss and Arkansas, but lapses in coverage and a lack of turnovers plagued them in key moments—most notably against Alabama and Georgia.
However, the group showed growth, particularly with young players gaining experience due to injuries and rotational changes. With that season under their belt, the 2025 cornerbacks look to build on lessons learned and bring a more aggressive, ball-hawking identity to the Plains.
Returning Starters: Anchors of the Secondary
D.J. James – Super Senior Leader
Arguably the face of Auburn’s cornerback group, D.J. James shocked many by opting to return for a super senior year, taking full advantage of his extra eligibility. A consistent presence on the boundary, James led the team in pass breakups (12) and recorded 3 interceptions in 2024. His decision to return reflects his commitment to winning and his belief in the staff’s developmental plan.
At 6’0”, 175 pounds, James may not have prototypical size, but his speed, technique, and instincts more than make up for it. He has NFL potential and enters 2025 as a Jim Thorpe Award candidate. Look for him to shadow opposing WR1s every week.
Keionte Scott – Versatility Weapon
Keionte Scott’s transition from nickel to full-time outside corner late last season proved fruitful. At 6’0”, 185 pounds, Scott combines physicality with high football IQ, often acting as the quarterback of the secondary. He contributed 46 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2024, along with multiple forced fumbles.
Scott’s leadership and ability to play both inside and outside give Auburn scheme flexibility. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts may deploy him in blitz packages or as a slot coverage specialist depending on the matchup.
Next in Line: Breakout Candidates in 2025
Austin Ausberry – The Waiting Game Ends
Former LSU transfer Austin Ausberry enters his redshirt sophomore year with sky-high expectations. After limited action in 2023 and 2024, Ausberry is projected to step into a larger role—possibly as the third corner or top backup.
A former four-star recruit, Ausberry brings elite size (6’1”, 200 lbs) and speed to the position. His physical style fits perfectly into Roberts’ press-man heavy system. If he puts it together in fall camp, he could push for a starting job or earn significant reps in nickel and dime packages.
J.D. Rim – Bounce-Back Season Incoming?
J.D. Rim is a name Auburn fans have been waiting to see pop. After showing flashes in his freshman year, Rim has struggled with consistency and injuries. However, word out of spring practices suggests he’s locked in and competing at a high level.
Rim’s quick-twitch agility and aggressiveness make him a natural fit in Auburn’s zone-match concepts. If healthy, he could become one of the most important rotational pieces on the defense.
Notable Departures and Their Impact
The biggest offseason loss was Nehemiah Pritchett, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Pritchett had been a staple of Auburn’s secondary for four years, offering reliability and athleticism on the boundary.
While his departure opens the door for younger players, it also removes one of Auburn’s best tacklers in space and most experienced defenders. Replacing his leadership and consistency won’t be easy, but the coaching staff is confident in the depth they’ve developed.
Newcomers to Watch
Jamarrien “Scoota” Burt – Early Enrollee Turned Spring Star
True freshman Jamarrien Burt turned heads during spring practices. The 6’2”, 190-pounder from Florida was one of the highest-rated corners in the 2025 class and chose Auburn over Florida State and Alabama.
Burt’s blend of length, ball skills, and maturity has coaches excited. While he’ll likely start the year behind veterans, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him on the field in high-leverage situations by midseason—particularly if injuries strike.
Koby Black – Transfer Portal Steal
The addition of former Texas cornerback Koby Black in the transfer portal may be one of the most underrated pickups of the offseason. Black, a former top-100 recruit, struggled for playing time in Austin but brings SEC-ready physicality and an aggressive mindset.
Auburn envisions Black as a rotational piece with the ability to step into a starting role if needed. He has the talent to push for snaps from day one.
Scheme Fit: Ron Roberts’ Aggressive Blueprint
Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts prefers an attacking style that puts cornerbacks on islands. That demands high-level technique, communication, and football IQ. Auburn’s cornerbacks are tasked with playing press coverage, disguising zone looks, and reacting quickly in RPO-heavy matchups.
With veterans like James and Scott returning, Roberts has more flexibility to dial up creative pressure schemes, trusting the corners to hold up in man coverage. Expect Auburn to be more aggressive in coverage in 2025—more press, more traps, and more attempts to create turnovers.
Recruiting Momentum and Future Outlook
The 2025 class may be just the beginning of a recruiting surge in the secondary. With Hugh Freeze and defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff working the trail hard, Auburn is in contention for several elite 2026 cornerback recruits, including five-star talents like Jaylen Bell (Georgia) and Zion Ferguson (Texas).
The combination of early playing time, a clear NFL pipeline, and Auburn’s SEC pedigree could help sustain talent influx at cornerback for years to come. The 2025 group is critical in setting that foundation.
Position Battles to Watch in Fall Camp
- Nickel Corner: With Scott possibly playing outside full-time, who takes the nickel spot? Ausberry, Rim, and even true freshman Burt are in contention.
- Fourth Cornerback: In an era of spread offenses, the fourth corner often plays as many snaps as a starter. Koby Black and J.D. Rim are in a heated battle.
- Special Teams Impact: Several younger corners, including redshirt freshman Sylvester Smith, could carve out roles on special teams as gunners or return specialists.
Bold Predictions for 2025
- D.J. James earns First-Team All-SEC honors, finishing the year with at least four interceptions.
- Auburn’s cornerback unit finishes in the top 5 in the SEC in pass defense efficiency.
- Jamarrien Burt starts at least two games by the end of the season, establishing himself as a future cornerstone of the defense.
Final Outlook: Steady Hands and Rising Stars
The 2025 Auburn cornerback room is a unique blend of proven veterans and tantalizing youth. While D.J. James and Keionte Scott provide leadership and elite coverage, the development of players like Austin Ausberry, J.D. Rim, and Jamarrien Burt will determine the unit’s ceiling.
In a division featuring explosive offenses like LSU, Georgia, and now Oklahoma, Auburn’s corners will be tested weekly. But for the first time in years, the Tigers have the depth, coaching, and swagger to not just survive—but thrive—in those matchups.
If the cornerbacks live up to their potential, Auburn’s defense could surprise the SEC and anchor a team looking to climb back into championship contention. With Freeze’s offense still evolving, it may be the secondary—and its fearless corners—that keeps Auburn in the hunt week after week.
