When it comes to Auburn football, the program’s rich history is filled with legendary players who have etched their names into the annals of college football history. From Heisman Trophy winners to Hall of Fame inductees, Auburn has seen some of the best and brightest stars take the field over the decades. But which player truly deserves the title of the greatest Auburn football player of all time?
To answer this, we’ve decided to cast our ballots in a bracket-style format, pitting some of the program’s most iconic and talented players against each other to determine the greatest Auburn football player ever. While many Auburn greats could stake a legitimate claim to this honor, we’ve narrowed it down to a select group of individuals who helped define the program, both on and off the field.
This bracket will examine players based on their on-field accomplishments, impact on Auburn football, and long-lasting legacy. Whether it’s through individual statistics, championships, or pure dominance, each of these athletes left a significant mark on the program and college football as a whole.
Round 1: The Quarterback Region
In this region, we’re looking at quarterbacks—often the most high-profile position in football. Auburn has seen some incredible signal-callers over the years, but only a select few are truly in the running for the title of Auburn’s greatest.
Cam Newton vs. Nick Marshall
- Cam Newton: Arguably the most iconic player in Auburn history, Cam Newton’s one-year run in 2010 is one of the most remarkable in college football history. After transferring from Florida, Newton led Auburn to a National Championship and won the Heisman Trophy, throwing for over 2,800 yards and rushing for 1,400 yards. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism revolutionized the quarterback position at the college level. Newton finished the season with 50 total touchdowns and became a living legend on the plains. His impact on the program cannot be overstated, and his leadership in 2010 set Auburn on a championship trajectory.
- Nick Marshall: Marshall had a long and productive career at Auburn from 2013 to 2014, leading the Tigers to an SEC Championship and a national title appearance. He was a dual-threat quarterback who excelled both in the air and on the ground. Marshall’s leadership and clutch performances were critical to Auburn’s success during his tenure, most notably in the 2013 Iron Bowl, where he orchestrated one of the most memorable plays in college football history: the “Kick Six.” Marshall’s calm demeanor and playmaking ability helped elevate Auburn to one of the most exciting teams in the country during his time.
Winner: Cam Newton
Newton’s one-year dominance, Heisman Trophy win, and National Championship victory give him the edge in this matchup. While Marshall’s legacy is significant, Newton’s impact on Auburn’s success and the sport of college football as a whole is unmatched.
Round 2: The Running Back Region
Auburn’s tradition of producing elite running backs is unmatched, and there are several players who could lay claim to being the greatest. This region highlights two of Auburn’s best-ever running backs.
Bo Jackson vs. Kerryon Johnson
- Bo Jackson: Jackson is arguably the most talented athlete in Auburn history. A two-sport star who excelled in both football and baseball, Jackson had an undeniable impact on the Auburn football program. His combination of size, speed, and power made him a force to be reckoned with on the football field. Jackson rushed for over 4,300 yards in his Auburn career, earning a Heisman Trophy in 1985. He also led Auburn to multiple SEC titles during his time and became a legend for his performances, especially in the 1983 Sugar Bowl and his 1985 Heisman-winning season. Jackson’s athleticism was so transcendent that it caught the attention of professional scouts, ultimately leading to a successful career in the NFL and Major League Baseball.
- Kerryon Johnson: Johnson may not have the same national recognition as Bo Jackson, but he is one of Auburn’s most accomplished running backs in recent history. Johnson had a standout career from 2015 to 2017, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2017. He rushed for over 3,500 yards during his career, but it was his ability to deliver in clutch situations that made him stand out. Johnson helped lead Auburn to an SEC Championship appearance in 2017, and his gritty, tough performances in big games—especially against Alabama in the 2017 Iron Bowl—cemented his place in Auburn lore.
Winner: Bo Jackson
While Kerryon Johnson was a phenomenal player in his own right, Bo Jackson’s sheer athleticism and dominance make him the greatest running back in Auburn history. His Heisman Trophy win and national recognition as one of the best athletes in history give him the edge in this matchup.
Round 3: The Wide Receiver Region
Auburn has produced some dynamic wide receivers who have made significant impacts in college football. This region pits two of the most explosive playmakers in Auburn’s history against each other.
Sidney Rice vs. Darvin Adams
- Sidney Rice: Rice was one of Auburn’s most explosive and dangerous receivers, known for his ability to make big plays down the field. His combination of size, speed, and hands made him a go-to target in Auburn’s passing game. Rice played a key role in Auburn’s high-powered offense during his career and caught passes from some of the best quarterbacks in Auburn history. He made a massive impact on the program’s offensive success during his years at Auburn.
- Darvin Adams: Adams made his name as a standout wide receiver for Auburn during the 2009-2010 seasons. His ability to make incredible catches in key moments was crucial for Auburn’s success, including his clutch performances in the 2010 National Championship season. Adams finished his career with over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns and was a key target for Cam Newton. His connection with Newton helped propel Auburn to new heights during one of the program’s most memorable seasons.
Winner: Sidney Rice
While Adams had a strong career, Rice’s ability to make explosive plays and his impact on the passing game during a high-scoring era of Auburn football give him the edge in this region.
Round 4: The Defensive Region
Auburn has consistently produced standout defensive players, and the Tigers’ defense has been a key component of their championship aspirations over the years. This region looks at two of Auburn’s most elite defenders.
Takeo Spikes vs. Carlos Dansby
- Takeo Spikes: Spikes is considered one of Auburn’s greatest linebackers of all time. He was a fierce, playmaking defender who dominated the middle of the field and helped lead Auburn’s defense during his time. A two-time All-SEC selection, Spikes was known for his ability to read plays and deliver crushing hits. He finished his Auburn career with over 300 tackles and was a force in both pass coverage and run defense. Spikes went on to have a successful NFL career and is regarded as one of the best linebackers to ever play for Auburn.
- Carlos Dansby: Another standout linebacker in Auburn’s history, Dansby was known for his ability to impact games from sideline to sideline. He was one of the most versatile and physical linebackers Auburn has ever produced, with an ability to rush the passer, cover in the passing game, and play against the run. Dansby had a highly productive career at Auburn, totaling over 200 tackles and several interceptions. He went on to have a successful NFL career as well, cementing his legacy as one of Auburn’s all-time defensive greats.
Winner: Takeo Spikes
Spikes’ consistency, leadership, and playmaking ability set him apart as Auburn’s greatest linebacker. His ability to dominate the middle of the field, combined with his all-around skill set, makes him Auburn’s top defender.
The Greatest of All Time
After narrowing down the bracket and determining the winners of each region, it’s time to crown the greatest Auburn football player of all time.
Bo Jackson vs. Cam Newton
This matchup is, in many ways, the culmination of the debate about the greatest Auburn football player. Both players are legends in their own right, but ultimately, the edge goes to:
Winner: Bo Jackson
While Cam Newton’s one-year dominance led Auburn to a National Championship and a Heisman Trophy, Bo Jackson’s sustained greatness and legacy in both college football and professional sports make him Auburn’s greatest football player of all time. Jackson’s achievements in college, including a Heisman Trophy, combined with his transcendent athleticism, set him apart from any other player in the program’s history.
Bo Jackson’s Legacy
Bo Jackson is undeniably Auburn’s greatest football player of all time. His blend of talent, athleticism, and accomplishments—both at Auburn and professionally—cement his place at the top of the Auburn football pantheon. While many players have contributed greatly to the program’s success, no one has had the same level of influence or lasting impact as Bo Jackson. His legend continues to live on at Auburn, and his legacy serves as a model for future generations of Tigers to follow.