Auburn Tigers Rise to the Top of the AP Poll, and CJ Johnson Returns to Auburn Football in an Unexpected Way
The Auburn Tigers’ football program has been the subject of anticipation and excitement for years. Over the course of its storied history, Auburn has produced a mix of highs and lows, captivating seasons, and remarkable players who have shaped its legacy. Recently, Auburn’s resurgence has been propelled by a new sense of purpose, leadership, and unexpected turns in its journey, particularly with the surprise return of a key figure in Auburn’s football history: CJ Johnson.
In an unprecedented turn of events, the Auburn Tigers have not only risen to the top of the Associated Press (AP) Poll but also seen the return of Johnson, whose impact on the team and the program has been profound, though his re-entry into Auburn football is far from conventional. To fully appreciate the gravity of these developments, we must explore the history, the rise of the team, and the unexpected way Johnson has rejoined the fold.
The Auburn Tigers: A New Era of Excellence
Historically, Auburn’s football program has been a fixture of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but it has faced some struggles in recent years. The team’s ups and downs have prompted many to wonder whether Auburn could ever reclaim its spot as one of the elite programs in college football. However, as the 2025 season kicked off, things began to take a different turn. Under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn started showing signs of revitalization.
Freeze, who had been hired to lead the Tigers after a rocky period of coaching instability, proved to be the fresh perspective that Auburn needed. His strategic mind and ability to recruit top-tier talent quickly paid off, transforming the Tigers into a formidable force within the SEC. Key recruits, including a few surprise players, meshed well with the veterans, making Auburn’s roster one of the most dynamic in recent memory. The team’s new offensive and defensive schemes quickly garnered attention from both pundits and fans alike, propelling Auburn back into the national conversation.
By mid-season, Auburn was performing at an elite level. Their hard-hitting defense and explosive offense were leaving opponents in their wake, and the Tigers began to rack up impressive wins against SEC powerhouses. The combination of strong coaching, talent development, and high morale made Auburn a team that was hard to ignore.
The tipping point came after an eye-catching victory over one of the top-ranked teams in the country. The win earned Auburn the top spot in the AP Poll, marking their return to national prominence. This achievement was a significant milestone for the Tigers, signaling that their rise to the top was not a fluke but the product of a well-executed, long-term plan.
CJ Johnson’s Legacy at Auburn
While the Auburn Tigers were ascending in 2025, another story was unfolding that would resonate deeply with fans and players alike. CJ Johnson, a former standout player at Auburn, was making headlines once again—but not in the way anyone had expected.
Johnson had been an instrumental part of Auburn’s success during his time as a player. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and leadership on the field, Johnson was regarded as one of the best wide receivers in Auburn history. His skills had helped elevate the Tigers to new heights, particularly during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, when he broke multiple records and earned All-SEC honors. However, after his time at Auburn, Johnson chose to pursue a career in the NFL.
Despite some success in the professional ranks, injuries and fluctuating performance led Johnson to reevaluate his career path. While many expected him to retire quietly or continue his career in some capacity within football, Johnson made an unexpected decision that caught everyone off guard: he returned to Auburn, but not in the way anyone anticipated.
The Unexpected Return of CJ Johnson
In an announcement that shocked both the Auburn football community and the wider college football world, CJ Johnson revealed that he was rejoining Auburn—but not as a player. Instead, he was returning in a completely different capacity: as an off-field mentor for the team. His role would not be centered on coaching, but rather on providing mentorship to the players, offering guidance on life, leadership, and navigating the pressures of being a student-athlete.
The announcement of his return to Auburn came as a surprise to many. Johnson had maintained a relatively low profile after his exit from the NFL, and his sudden decision to return to Auburn in this non-traditional role raised questions. Why would a former star player with a professional career behind him choose such a unique path?
The answer lay in Johnson’s deep connection to the Auburn community. During his time at Auburn, he formed strong bonds with coaches, teammates, and fans. He had always been an advocate for the team’s success, but more importantly, he was passionate about helping others. After reflecting on his journey and his experiences both in college and the NFL, Johnson realized that he wanted to give back to the program that had helped shape him.
Auburn’s coaching staff, led by Hugh Freeze, welcomed Johnson’s return with open arms. Freeze understood the immense value that Johnson could bring to the team. Not only did Johnson have the unique perspective of a former player, but his leadership qualities and knowledge of the game would be invaluable assets to the younger players on the roster.
The Impact of CJ Johnson’s Mentorship
The presence of CJ Johnson on the sidelines brought a renewed sense of energy to the Auburn Tigers. Johnson’s charisma and experience allowed him to connect with players in ways that a traditional coach might not. He became a trusted confidant for many of the players, especially the young wide receivers who were eager to follow in his footsteps.
Johnson’s mentorship went beyond the X’s and O’s of football. He provided life lessons, helping players navigate the pressures of academics, relationships, and personal growth. His insights into the mental and emotional aspects of the game were especially valuable, as he had experienced the highs and lows of playing at both the college and professional levels. Through one-on-one talks and group sessions, Johnson helped players develop not just as athletes, but as people.
His guidance also played a crucial role in the Tigers’ rise to the top of the AP Poll. Under his mentorship, the players became more disciplined, more focused, and more united. Johnson helped foster a culture of accountability, encouraging players to push beyond their limits and pursue excellence in all areas of their lives.
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of Johnson’s return was his ability to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations of Auburn football. Veterans on the team respected Johnson for his past achievements, while younger players looked up to him as an example of what they could achieve if they put in the work. Johnson’s role as a mentor allowed him to serve as a leader without the pressure of being in a formal coaching position. His influence was felt throughout the entire program, from the coaching staff to the players to the fans.
Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Future and CJ Johnson’s Legacy
As Auburn continues its rise in college football, the legacy of CJ Johnson will undoubtedly be a key part of the program’s story. His return to Auburn in this unexpected capacity has not only helped the team reach new heights but has also reinforced the importance of mentorship, leadership, and community within the world of college sports.
The Auburn Tigers’ ascent to the top of the AP Poll is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from coaches to players to former greats like Johnson. With the support of a strong, unified program, Auburn looks poised for continued success in the years to come.
And as for CJ Johnson, his journey is far from over. His decision to return to Auburn in this unique role shows that there are many ways to contribute to the game of football, and that sometimes, the most significant impact can come from outside the spotlight. His mentorship will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the Tigers, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
As Auburn continues to climb to new heights, one thing is clear: the Auburn Tigers are back—and CJ Johnson is helping lead the way, in an unexpected but incredibly impactful way.
