Auburn Football: A Legacy of Excellence and Notable Alumni
The Auburn Tigers football program represents Auburn University in the sport of American college football and has a storied history of success, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments. Auburn officially began competing in intercollegiate football in 1892. Auburn has captured national championships and boasts SEC titles. The program’s commitment to excellence on and off the field has made Auburn a respected name in college sports.
Auburn's journey includes significant milestones such as multiple conference championships, appearances in prestigious bowl games, and the unforgettable 2010 National Championship win. Auburn is a football factory, and ranking the top players in Tigers history is not an easy chore.
A Storied History
Auburn's football history is a testament to perseverance, talent, and hard work. The Tigers joined the SEC in 1932 as one of the inaugural members of the conference. From 1992 to 2023, Auburn played in the West Division of the SEC and played each opponent in the division each year along with several teams from the East Division. They began competing in the West Division when the conference divided in 1992, doing so until the SEC eliminated divisions in 2024. The team has played more than 1,200 games over 120 seasons. Auburn has achieved 12 undefeated seasons and won 16 conference championships, along with 10 divisional championships.
Early Successes
The 1913 team was coached by Mike Donahue and was undefeated at 8-0, outscoring opponents 224-13. Auburn, led by senior captain Kirk Newell, finished as SIAA champions for the first time in school history. The 1957 Auburn Tigers, led by coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan, finished with a perfect 10-0 record, marking the school's first ever SEC championship. Auburn was recognized as national champions by the AP Poll even though they were on probation and did not participate in a bowl game. This was the school's first recognized national championship. The 1957 title is shared with Ohio State, who was named the national champion by the Coaches' Poll.
The Pat Dye Era
Throughout the years, Auburn football has been home to some of the best coaches, including the legendary Pat Dye. The 1983 Auburn Tigers, led by head coach Pat Dye and running back Bo Jackson, finished 11-1 after playing the nation's toughest schedule. Their only loss came against No. 3 Texas, who defeated the Tigers, 20-7. Auburn went on to defeat No. 8 Michigan, 9-7, in the Sugar Bowl. Despite entering the bowl games ranked third in both major polls, and with both teams ranked higher losing their bowl games, the Tigers ended ranked third in the final AP poll. The New York Times ranked Auburn number one at the conclusion of the season, as did several other math system selectors. Later, the Billingsley Report math system retroactively listed Auburn at number one.
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Undefeated Seasons and Championships
Head coach Terry Bowden led the 1993 team to a perfect season in his first year on the Plains. The Tigers were the only undefeated team in major college football; however, they were banned from playing on television or post-season games due to NCAA violations. Rival Alabama was sent to the SEC Championship Game as the substitute representative of the Western Division. Auburn finished ranked fourth in the nation by the Associated Press. Auburn completed the 2004 football season with an unblemished 13-0 record winning the SEC championship, their first conference title since 1989 and their first outright title since 1987. However, this achievement was somewhat overshadowed by the Tigers being left out of the BCS championship game in deference to two other undefeated, higher ranked teams, USC and Oklahoma.
The Tigers, led by head coach Gene Chizik and Gus Malzahn, completed a 12-0 regular season record and defeated South Carolina in the 2010 SEC Championship Game. On October 24, 2010, Auburn was ranked first in the BCS polls for the first time in school history. On January 10, 2011, Auburn defeated Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona, 22-19. It was the school's second claimed national title, but their first undisputed title. Auburn completed the 2013 regular season with an 11-1 record by knocking off then-#1 Alabama. Auburn went on to defeat #5 Missouri 59-42 in the 2013 SEC Championship Game to claim its eighth SEC championship. Auburn faced #1 Florida State in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl, falling to the Seminoles in the final seconds, 31-34.
Divisional Success
Since divisional play began in 1992, Auburn has won the SEC Western Division championship and gone on to the conference title game on six occasions and is 3-3 in the SEC Championship Game. The most recent appearance came in 2017 as Auburn completed the regular season 10-2, losing a rematch to Georgia in the 2017 SEC Championship Game. Auburn has also shared the division title but did not play in the championship game due to tiebreakers on three occasions. AU Football has won 12 conference championships (8 SEC), has had seven perfect seasons, and during the division of the conference, six outright Western Division championships (1997, 2000, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017) along with three additional co-championships.
Coaches
Auburn has had 29 head coaches, and three interim head coaches, since it began play during the 1892 season. In that time, eight coaches have led the Tigers in postseason bowl games: Jack Meagher, Ralph Jordan, Pat Dye, Terry Bowden, Tommy Tuberville, Gene Chizik, Gus Malzahn, and Bryan Harsin. On November 29, 2022, Hugh Freeze was named the 31st head coach of the Tigers.
Notable Alumni
Auburn has produced three Heisman Trophy winners: quarterback Pat Sullivan in 1971, running back Bo Jackson in 1985, and quarterback Cam Newton in 2010. Auburn is the only school that Heisman coached at (among others, Georgia Tech and Clemson) that has produced a Heisman Trophy winner. A number of Auburn players and coaches have won national awards, including 66 players being named as college football All-Americans. The College Football Hall of Fame has inducted a total of 12 individuals from Auburn, including eight student-athletes and four head coaches: John Heisman, Mike Donahue, Ralph Jordan, and Pat Dye.
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Those 3 Heisman winners comprise Auburn’s all-time football elite, but there are a lot more layers of talent underneath. Eight former Tigers players are in the College Football Hall of Fame and that number is sure to grow. Auburn is a football factory, and ranking, say, the top 25 players in Tigers history isn’t an easy chore.
Auburn's All-Time Greats
Pat Sullivan (QB, 1969-1971): Sullivan was Auburn’s first Heisman Trophy winner, capturing the award in 1971. He rocketed into The Plains from Birmingham and went straight into their hearts of all Tigers fans. When fathers pass on their Auburn football fandom to their children, they no doubt start by telling them all about Patrick Joseph Sullivan.
Bo Jackson (RB, 1982-1985): Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sports history. Known for his incredible speed, power, and agility, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 and was a two-time consensus All-American. He finished his Auburn career with 4,303 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns, setting multiple school records.
Cam Newton (QB, 2010): Newton had one of the most remarkable single seasons in college football history. In 2010, Newton led Auburn to an undefeated season and a national championship, winning the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and Davey O'Brien Award. He passed for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
Tucker Frederickson (FB/RB, 1962-1964): Frederickson was a versatile and powerful player for Auburn, excelling as both a fullback and running back. Frederickson was a two-time All-SEC selection and earned All-American honors in 1964. He was known for his ability to block, run, and catch passes out of the backfield, making him a key player for the Tigers.
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Kevin Greene (DE/LB, 1983-1984): Greene was a dominant force on the defensive line for Auburn, known for his relentless pass rush and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Greene was a two-time All-SEC selection and earned All-American honors in 1984. He finished his college career with 11 sacks and 69 tackles. Greene's impact extended beyond college, as he went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career, earning five Pro Bowl selections and ranking among the all-time leaders in sacks.
Tracy Rocker (DT, 1985-1988): Tracy Rocker was a dominant force on the defensive line for the Auburn Tigers. Known for his strength, quickness, and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier, Rocker was a two-time All-American and the winner of both the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy in 1988. He was a key player in Auburn's formidable defense, recording 354 tackles and 21 sacks during his college career.
Carlos Rogers (CB, 2001-2004): Rogers was one of the best cornerbacks in Auburn history, known for his speed, coverage skills, and ability to shut down opposing receivers. Rogers earned unanimous All-American honors in 2004 and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. He was instrumental in leading Auburn to an undefeated season and a SEC Championship in 2004.
James Brooks (RB, 1977-1980): James Brooks was a versatile and explosive running back for the Tigers, known for his ability to break long runs and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. Brooks finished his Auburn career with 3,523 rushing yards, which was a school record at the time, and 24 touchdowns. He also set a school record for kickoff-return yards with 1,726 and all-purpose yards with 5,596.
Carnell “Cadillac” Williams (RB, 2001-2004): Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was one of the most electrifying and productive running backs in Auburn history. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss, Williams finished his Auburn career with 3,831 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns. He was a two-time All-SEC selection and earned All-American honors in 2004.
Takeo Spikes (LB, 1995-1997): Takeo Spikes was a dominant linebacker for Auburn, known for his speed, tackling ability, and leadership. Spikes earned All-SEC honors twice and was a consensus All-American in 1997. He finished his college career with 331 tackles and 24 tackles for loss, making him one of the most productive defensive players in Auburn history.
Ronnie Brown (RB, 2001-2004): Brown finished his career ranked seventh in school history with 2,707 yards rushing on 513 carries while ranking fifth with 28 rushing touchdowns.
Joe Cribbs (RB, 1976-1979): He had 3,368 career rushing yards, 4,561 career all purpose yards and 35 touchdowns and split carries with James Brooks.
Jason Campbell (QB, 2001-2004): Campbell threw for 7,373 career passing yards, 45 touchdowns and a 147.0 QB rating. He was the 2004 SEC Player of the Year, and the 2004 SEC Championship Game MVP.
Stan White (QB, 1990-1993): White is Auburn's leader in career passing yards with 8,016 and also threw 40 touchdowns.
Quentin Groves (DE, 2004-2007): Groves finished his career with 24 sacks, tied for the best in Auburn history.
Nick Fairley (DT, 2009-2010): Fairley had 84 career tackles and 13 career sacks in two years with the Tigers.
Ben Obomanu (WR, 2002-2005): Obomanu has 1,313 career receiving yards and is second all time in school history in receiving touchdowns with 18.
Stephen Davis (RB, 1993-1995): Davis rushed 488 times for 2,811 yards with a career average of 5.8 yards per carry and also ran for 30 touchdowns.
Ben Tate (RB, 2006-2009): Tate had 3,321 career rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.
Gregg Carr (LB, 1981-1984): Carr was Auburn's leading tackler for three seasons and a Lombardi Trophy Finalist in 1984 as well as an All-American that year.
Zeke Smith (DE/LB/Guard, 1957-1959): Smith's year of dominance was 1958. He won the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman and was also an All-American, and was given All-SEC honors.
Wes Byrum (Kicker, 2007-2010): Byrum ranks better than Duval simply because he won the school a national title.
Kenny Irons (RB, 2005-2006): Irons has 2,186 career rushing yards and 18 touchdowns and was an All-American in 2005 and a two-time All-SEC First Team member.
Brent Fullwood (RB, 1983-1986): Fullwood had 2,797 career rushing yards, 24 touchdowns and was an All-American in 1986 and 1,391 yards and 10 touchdowns in the 1986 season, which was good enough for sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Anders Carlson (K): Carlson made an astounding 92 field goals during his legendary run at Auburn, which is 13 more than anyone else. Simply put, Carlson was one of the best kickers in SEC history and probably college football history.
Tre Mason (RB): Mason’s 2,979 career yards rushing puts him 6th on Auburn’s all-time list, and that’s well and good. But the real reason Mason belongs on this list is because in 2013 he went absolutely nuclear, rushing for 1,816 yards - more than Bo Jackson or any other Auburn running back ever did in a season.
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tags: #auburn #football #notable #alumni
