Tigers Take a Hit: Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter Sidelined After Devastating Injury…Read more…

Tigers Take a Hit: Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter Sidelined After Devastating Injury…Read more…

AUBURN, Ala. — The Auburn Tigers football team has been dealt a significant blow as star running back Jarquez Hunter sustained a serious lower-body injury during last Saturday’s clash against the Ole Miss Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The injury, which occurred early in the third quarter, is now expected to sideline Hunter for the remainder of the season, according to team officials.

The incident happened on a routine running play when Hunter took a handoff from quarterback Payton Thorne and cut toward the left sideline. While attempting to evade a defender, his left leg was awkwardly caught under the weight of a tackle, and he remained on the ground clutching his knee. The stadium fell silent as medical personnel rushed to the field. After several minutes, Hunter was helped off, unable to put weight on the leg, and taken directly to the locker room for further evaluation.

Medical Assessment and Team Statement

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media on Sunday afternoon, confirming that Hunter had suffered a torn ACL and damage to surrounding ligaments in his knee. The team’s medical staff will proceed with surgery this week, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process expected to last between 8 to 10 months.

“We’re heartbroken for Jarquez,” said Freeze. “He’s not just an exceptional player but also a tremendous leader in our locker room. Losing him is tough, but we’re confident in his resilience. He’s a fighter, and we know he’ll come back stronger.”

The injury ends what was shaping up to be a breakout season for the junior running back, who had been averaging 6.2 yards per carry and already amassed 845 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns through eight games. His explosive running style and improved pass-catching abilities had made him a central piece of the Tigers’ offense and a rising prospect on NFL draft boards.

Impact on Auburn’s Season

With Hunter out for the season, the Tigers must now look to their depth chart to fill the massive void. Sophomore Damari Alston and freshman Jeremiah Cobb are expected to shoulder the load in the backfield. While both players have shown promise in limited action, neither has had to carry the full responsibility of being the feature back in SEC play.

“Next man up has always been our mentality,” offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery said. “But there’s no denying that replacing a guy like Jarquez isn’t easy. We’ll need everyone to step up — from the offensive line to the receivers — to help us adjust.”

Auburn currently holds a 5–3 record and remains in contention for a respectable bowl game. However, the road ahead will be far more challenging without their offensive workhorse. With critical matchups against Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia still looming, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be tested.

Support from the Auburn Community

News of Hunter’s injury has sent ripples through the Auburn fanbase and college football community. Social media was flooded with messages of support from teammates, coaches, fans, and even rival players. A “#PrayForHunter” hashtag began trending regionally within hours after the game.

Auburn University President Dr. Christopher Roberts also issued a statement: “Jarquez Hunter represents the spirit of Auburn — grit, determination, and heart. We’re standing with him during this difficult time and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Hunter himself took to Instagram on Monday with an emotional post thanking fans for their support. “This isn’t how I wanted my season to end, but I believe everything happens for a reason,” he wrote. “I’m going to attack rehab with the same intensity I bring to the field. I’ll be back.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, the Auburn coaching staff remains optimistic about the future. With a strong recruiting class and young talent gaining valuable playing time, the injury to Hunter, while devastating, opens the door for development and resilience.

“We’re not folding,” Coach Freeze emphasized. “We’re going to rally behind Jarquez and finish this season with pride.”

For Jarquez Hunter, the long road to recovery begins now. While he won’t be suiting up for the remainder of the 2025 campaign, his impact on the program and inspiration to his teammates will undoubtedly be felt from the sidelines.