Title: Auburn Tigers Roar on Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks’ List – 2025 Edition
In the blistering heat of August, with the 2025 college football season looming, Bruce Feldman released his annual “Freaks List” – a revered catalogue of the most athletically gifted, physically dominant players in the nation. This year, the Auburn Tigers made an emphatic statement, landing not one, not two, but three players on the coveted list. For a program in the midst of a fierce SEC resurgence, this recognition is more than hype; it’s a warning shot.
Leading the trio is Xavier “X-Factor” Daniels, Auburn’s 6-foot-6, 315-pound defensive tackle who defies the laws of physics. Daniels clocked an eye-popping 4.78 in the 40-yard dash this summer – faster than many linebackers – and posted a jaw-dropping 34 reps of 225 on the bench. In Feldman’s own words, “Daniels moves like a running back trapped in a lineman’s body.” His agility drills left NFL scouts slack-jawed during Auburn’s pro-style workouts, and his 9’9” broad jump shows explosive lower-body strength rare for a man of his size. Coaches whisper that Daniels might be the most physically dominant interior lineman Auburn has seen since Nick Fairley.
Next is Jamari Sanders, the 6-foot-1, 208-pound hybrid safety who looks like he was carved from stone. With a 41-inch vertical and a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, Sanders has transformed into a sideline-to-sideline missile in Auburn’s revamped defense. This offseason, he reportedly power-cleaned 365 pounds and squatted over 600, earning him the nickname “The Missile” in the locker room. Defensive coordinator Caleb Walker said, “Jamari plays like he’s got a turbo button. He’s one of those rare players who plays even faster than he tests.” Sanders is expected to be the heart of Auburn’s new pressure-heavy defense, patrolling the secondary like a predator.
Finally, there’s Tyrese McMillan, a redshirt sophomore wide receiver who turned heads with his out-of-this-world measurables. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, McMillan ran a verified 10.36 100-meter dash in the spring – speed that’s almost unheard of for a receiver of his size. He’s also posted a 44-inch vertical and a 3.87-second shuttle, showcasing elite short-area quickness. “He’s our cheat code,” said head coach Hugh Freeze. “Tyrese can take the top off any defense, but he also boxes out like a power forward in the red zone. He’s a matchup nightmare.”
The inclusion of these three players marks a turning point for Auburn football. No longer just a sleeping giant, the Tigers are stacking athletic marvels ready to ignite on Saturdays. Feldman’s “Freaks List” has often served as a precursor to NFL stardom — and if Daniels, Sanders, and McMillan live up to their freakish potential, Auburn might just be on the cusp of something extraordinary this season.
Because in the SEC, freaks don’t just entertain — they dominate.
