The Auburn Tigers kick off their 2025 season Friday in a non-conference Power Four matchup against the Baylor Bears, and it’s shaping up to be an epic game. However, the team could be without one of their top 2025 recruits, tight end Hollis Davidson III, who was arrested last month.
Here’s everything to know about Davidson III’s status for the Tigers’ season opener.
Why Was Hollis Davidson III Arrested?
Davidson entered the 2025 season with high expectations after committing to the Tigers as a four-star recruit from McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, Georgia. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 12 tight end in the country and a top-300 player overall.
BREAKING: Class of 2025 TE Hollis Davidson tells me he has Committed to Auburn!
The 6’5 235 TE from Peachtree City, GA chose the Tigers over Miami, Florida, & Florida State
“WDE #SealTeam”https://t.co/jIGvQcoLN0 pic.twitter.com/q8AESYT04n
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 6, 2024
He was one of the highest-rated recruits in Auburn’s 2025 class, and head coach Hugh Freeze had hoped he would make an immediate impact as a true freshman.
However, those plans were derailed on July 28, when he was arrested and charged with a felony for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance in Peachtree City. Officers reportedly approached him on June 19 after he was seen loitering outside a closed business in a golf cart. They reportedly found loose marijuana in the cart and a THC vape pen in his pocket.
In Georgia, marijuana is a Schedule I substance, leading to his arrest in July. He was released on a $5,000 bond, but Freeze suspended him indefinitely following the incident. With his suspension in place, will Davidson miss Auburn’s week one game against Baylor?
Is Hollis Davidson III Playing on Friday?
Davidson is likely not playing Friday night. On August 14, Freeze provided an update on the tight end’s status for the 2025 season, explaining that Davidson must prove himself before he can take the field for the Tigers this year.
“He’s working on a plan to get back in good standing, but he’s still suspended from games indefinitely until he meets those,” Freeze said.
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Davidson wasn’t expected to be the Tigers’ starting tight end in 2025, as senior Brandon Frazier holds that role. However, with his size and athleticism — he stands 6’5″ and weighs 238 pounds — he was expected to see playing time.
It’s unclear what standards Freeze wants Davidson to meet before returning to the field, but it’s clear the coach isn’t taking the situation lightly and is making the freshman earn back the trust of him and the rest of the Tigers’ staff and team.
Auburn’s game against Baylor kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 29, with coverage on FOX.
