The Auburn Tigers are actively searching for a running back to fill the void that will be left after Jarquez Hunter’s senior season. While they recently acquired Durrell Robinson from UConn via the transfer portal and secured Alvin Henderson from the class of 2025, their long-term depth at the position remains a concern. By 2026, the Tigers will need a new lead back, as their projected 2025 starter, Damari Alston, will be a senior and no longer eligible after that season.
One potential solution could be four-star running back Jae Lamar, a highly regarded prospect from the 2026 recruiting class. If he chooses Auburn, he and Henderson could form a formidable running back duo in the coming years. Lamar is currently ranked as the ninth-best running back in his class and is being heavily pursued by multiple top-tier programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Clemson, Ohio State, and Florida State, according to Auburn Wire.
Lamar has announced that he plans to commit to one of his top 10 schools by July 4. Based on reports from 247Sports, he appears to be leaning toward Georgia, with Florida State, Miami, and Auburn also high on his list. These four programs stand out as his primary contenders, as they are the only schools he has scheduled official visits with.
Although he still has one more season of high school football ahead, Lamar is already drawing comparisons to Jarquez Hunter. Auburn, lacking an obvious successor at the position, would benefit from a player with a similar build and playstyle. Hunter, at 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, was a powerhouse for the Tigers. Lamar, who already stands at 6-foot and weighs 205 pounds, has the potential to develop into an even more dominant force once he undergoes SEC-level strength and conditioning training. If he commits to Auburn and continues to refine his skills, he could become a major offensive weapon in the years to come.