Auburn Tigers Edge Amaris Williams Has Change of Heart—But What’s Really Behind the Decision?

In a dramatic turn of events, Auburn defensive lineman Amaris Williams has decided to stay at Auburn, just one day after announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal. According to a report from Hayes Fawcett of On3, Williams has had a change of heart and is set to remain with the Tigers for the 2025 season.

Williams, a highly regarded freshman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, was one of Auburn’s biggest recruits in the 2024 class. As a five-star edge rusher, he ranked as the No. 30 player nationally and the No. 5 edge rusher in the country according to 247Sports. His decision to flip his commitment from Florida to Auburn on National Signing Day was seen as a major win for the Tigers, and now, they can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have retained one of their top defensive prospects.

“God said it’s gon be alright,” Williams shared on social media, signaling his peace with the decision to stay in Auburn.

A Big Win for Auburn

This unexpected change of direction is a significant victory for Auburn. Williams’ name was listed as one of the top players in the transfer portal, ranking No. 17 overall according to 247Sports. His retention now means that the Tigers will have one less spot to fill on their defensive line, allowing them to focus on other needs in the transfer portal. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has made it clear that the program is committed to building depth and talent, especially on defense, and keeping Williams is a huge boost to that plan.

Williams, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 269 pounds, will now have the opportunity to compete alongside some other highly-touted defensive recruits, including five-star edge rusher Jared Smith and five-star defensive lineman Malik Autry. With this influx of talent, the Auburn defensive front could be poised to take a major leap forward in the upcoming season.

A Freshman Year to Build On

Although Williams came to Auburn with a lot of hype, his freshman year in 2024 didn’t see him make the impact many expected. Despite being one of the highest-rated players in Auburn’s recruiting class, Williams played in only 10 games. He missed the contests against Arkansas and Georgia but did contribute in several other games, finishing the season with six total tackles, including four solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack. While his freshman year may not have been spectacular, it’s clear that the potential is there for Williams to develop into a star.

Now, as Williams decides to stay in Auburn, he will likely get more opportunities to shine under a coaching staff eager to tap into his vast potential. The Tigers are in the process of building a defense that could soon rival some of the top units in the SEC, and Williams will be a key part of that defensive resurgence.

Auburn’s Defensive Line Moves Forward

Williams’ decision to stay also means that T.J. Lindsey and Gage Keys are the only two Auburn defensive linemen who have entered the transfer portal so far this offseason. While it’s always tough to lose players on the defensive front, Auburn will continue to build through the recruiting class and the transfer portal, hoping to create a deeper, more effective defensive line for next season.

With Williams back in the fold, Auburn’s defense now has another key player to build around, and his potential as an edge rusher could make a massive difference. Along with the incoming freshmen and returning veterans, Auburn could see a more formidable defense in 2025, one that has the ability to make plays all over the field.

For Williams, the decision to stay at Auburn may prove to be the right one, and with time and development, he could become one of the most impactful defensive players in the SEC. The Tigers and their fans will be hoping that this change of heart leads to big things for the program in the seasons to come.