15 Auburn Tigers were added to the watchlist for Shrine Bowl 1000.

In late July 2025, the East‑West Shrine Bowl organizers released their annual Shrine Bowl 1000 preseason watchlist, spotlighting 1,000 of the nation’s top college football players who are eligible for the 2026 all‑star game and the NFL Draft. Among those honored were fifteen players from Auburn University a remarkable representation that underscores Auburn’s growing talent pipeline and rising national profile.

The Shrine Bowl 1000 is not just a list it ’s a preview of the most promising players still in college football with NFL aspirations. The list is built through extensive scouting and consultation with pro and college personnel. It becomes a launching pad for players aiming to showcase their skills in Frisco, Texas at the Shrine Bowl all‑star game on January 27, 2026.

For Auburn, having fifteen players named signals respect from NFL evaluators and helps raise expectations for the 2025 campaign. These players span all position groups offense, defense, and special teams—and many are projected contributors in the rotation or projected starters.

Among the Auburn names on the watchlist are key returners from the 2024 season—players who helped the Tigers reach competitive status in the SEC West. One included was quarterback Jackson Arnold, who saw starting snaps in key games and is expected to lead the offense in 2025. Offensive line contributors like Xavier Chaplin, Izavion Miller, Dillon Wade, and Jeremiah Wright earned recognition, highlighting Auburn’s strong line development. Edge rushers such as Keyron Crawford and Chris Murray made the list too, showing defensive playmaking depth. Cornerbacks Kayin Lee and Raion Strader earned attention too, signaling Auburn’s secondary has playmakers. Alumni like running back Rayshawn Pleasant, receiver Eric Singleton, center Connor Lew, and linebacker Caleb Wheatland rounded out the group.([turn0search0]turn0search1)

For Auburn fans, the list is validation. The Tigers often fly under the radar when compared to SEC powers like Alabama or Georgia. But now, having 15 names from one school on a coveted scouting list shows they’re being taken seriously. It gives rising returning players national attention and gives recruiters and NFL scouts reasons to monitor Auburn’s season closely.

Entering fall camp, these players become key to Auburn’s plan. Quarterback Arnold, having earned a spot on this list, is expected to compete for the starting role full-time, tasked with executing a balanced offense under the new coordinator. The guards and tackles recognized on the list should anchor the line, helping establish run lanes and protect the pocket. On defense, edge players like Crawford and Murray are expected to generate pressure and push for rotational roles, while corners Lee and Strader aim to stabilize pass coverage. Auburn’s linebacker squad, including Caleb Wheatland, will benefit from increased oversight if they contribute at high level.

Shrine Bowl recognition also helps Auburn in recruiting and NIL conversations. When high school prospects see so many Auburn players listed among top draft-eligible talent, it reinforces the idea that Auburn can help players reach the next level. That credibility can serve as a recruiting lever especially in the Southeast, where the Tigers compete for talent.

Moreover, for returning players, making the Shrine Bowl list offers additional motivation. It’s not just a badge  it’s a target. Fans now expect these players to deliver impact in big games and step into leadership roles. Coaches can use this as encouragement during fall camp and regular season preparation: these players are being watched beyond Auburn  NFL scouts are.

National outlets have already taken notice. The Shrine Bowl 1000 list is widely covered by outlets like Yahoo! Sports, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today. Auburn’s haul of 15 names ranks among the highest in the SEC outside Alabama and Georgia. That external attention boosts the program’s visibility at a time when roster turnover is high and new contributors must prove themselves quickly.

For the players themselves, this recognition opens doors. Those listed will likely be invited to the Shrine Bowl all-star game if they maintain performance and health. Participation offers one of the last showcases before the NFL Draft, giving exposure to scouts, coaches, and media in a pro-style environment. Auburn players could leverage that to improve their draft status.

Looking ahead, the narrative this fall will follow how these 15 players perform. If Jackson Arnold shows command at QB, if Auburn’s offensive line leads a dominant run game, if edge rushers pressure quarterbacks consistently, or defensive backs lock down receivers  then expectations rise further. Conversely, poor performances by those squads could suggest Auburn’s list was speculative  but development opportunities abound in the deep roster entering camp.

This breadth of talent also helps Auburn handle adversity. Injuries and rotation are part of SEC life. With 15 high‑profile players recognized, Auburn has flexibility to replace starters with watch‑list-level talent, maintaining competitiveness across the season.

At the program level, athletic directors and staff can highlight the list in marketing and storytelling  using signage, media guides, recruiting pitches, and social posts to brag: “Fifteen Auburn Tigers among the nation’s top college players.” That elevates pride and builds identity.

But perhaps most importantly, the list presents a challenge: to translate preseason recognition into postseason success. Auburn must leverage watch‑list inclusion into team wins  beating Ole Miss, LSU, and other ranked SEC opponents. It tests whether these players are stars in the making or media names waiting to earn their stripes.

fifteen Auburn players were named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 watchlist ahead of the 2025 season. That significant milestone amplifies Auburn’s profile, elevates individual players, motivates development, and gives fans reason to believe. As fall practice begins, the spotlight turns to those recognized  fans, coaches, and scouts alike will watch how they respond. Their success could turn preseason hype into postseason honor, and help define Auburn’s season.