BREAKING: Class of 2025 RB Omar Mabson Commits to Auburn Over Alabama and Tennessee, Rejecting Multimillion-Dollar NIL Deal
In a stunning recruiting victory, Auburn University has landed a commitment from Class of 2025 running back Omar Mabson, one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the country. The four-star standout from Montgomery, Alabama, turned down offers from powerhouse programs Alabama and Tennessee to pledge his future to the Tigers. Even more impressively, Mabson rejected a multimillion-dollar NIL deal that could have significantly impacted his financial future, opting instead to affirm his belief in Auburn’s program and culture.
Mabson’s decision to choose Auburn over its SEC rivals underscores the Tigers’ growing appeal under head coach Hugh Freeze, as well as Mabson’s unique values and priorities. The announcement is a major win for Auburn, giving the Tigers a marquee recruit who could become a foundational piece of their offense in the years to come.
### A Rising Star
Standing at 5’11” and weighing 200 pounds, Omar Mabson is a prototypical SEC running back. With a blend of speed, power, and elusiveness, he’s proven to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. In his junior season, Mabson rushed for over 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns, consistently dominating on the ground and through the air. His versatility as a pass-catcher and his ability to break tackles have drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Alvin Kamara and Josh Jacobs.
Ranked among the top 10 running backs in the 2025 class, Mabson’s commitment was a highly anticipated decision. With offers from nearly every major program in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, he had no shortage of options.
However, Mabson’s recruitment took an even more dramatic turn when reports surfaced of a multimillion-dollar NIL deal offered to him as part of a package to join a rival SEC program. According to sources, the deal included lucrative endorsement opportunities and financial incentives, making it one of the largest NIL offers for a high school recruit in recent memory
Despite the financial temptations, Mabson ultimately chose Auburn, citing the program’s culture, coaching staff, and vision for his development as key factors in his decision. “Auburn feels like home,” Mabson said. “Coach Hugh Freeze and Coach Cadillac Williams [Auburn’s running backs coach] showed me that they care about me not just as a player, but as a person. It’s not just about football here—it’s about family.”
Mabson’s relationship with Cadillac Williams, a former Auburn star and one of the most respected coaches in the country, was particularly influential. “Coach Cadillac has been in my shoes,” Mabson explained. “He knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I trust him to help me get there. He’s more than a coach—he’s a mentor.”
Auburn’s pitch to Mabson also emphasized the opportunity to be part of a program on the rise. Under Hugh Freeze, the Tigers have made significant strides in recruiting and player development, positioning themselves to compete with the SEC’s elite programs. Mabson expressed excitement about contributing to Auburn’s resurgence, saying, “I want to help bring Auburn back to the top. I want to be part of something special.”
Rejecting a multimillion-dollar NIL deal is virtually unheard of in today’s recruiting landscape, where NIL opportunities have become a major factor in college decisions. Mabson’s choice to prioritize relationships and personal development over financial gain has drawn praise from fans and analysts alike.
“I’m not focused on the money,” Mabson said. “That’s not why I play this game. I want to be in a place where I can grow as a person and as a player, and Auburn is that place. The money will come later, but right now, it’s about chasing my dreams and becoming the best version of myself.”
Omar Mabson’s commitment is a game-changer for Auburn. With his explosive playmaking ability and leadership qualities, he’s poised to make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus. Mabson’s combination of physicality and finesse fits perfectly into Auburn’s offensive scheme, which has historically relied on dominant running backs to anchor its attack.
Beyond his on-field talents, Mabson’s decision to choose Auburn speaks volumes about the program’s ability to compete with the SEC’s best in recruiting. It’s a sign that Hugh Freeze and his staff are successfully building a culture that resonates with elite players who value more than just financial incentives.
Landing Omar Mabson is a monumental moment for Auburn football. His commitment not only strengthens the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class but also sends a message to the rest of the SEC that Auburn is once again a force to be reckoned with. For Mabson, it’s the start of an exciting journey—and for Auburn fans, it’s a reason to believe that the best is yet to come.