Auburn running back Damari Alston has been dismissed from the program for failing to meet the program's "expectations and standards," per coach Hugh Freeze. Alston, a senior from Atlanta, was named a team captain ahead of the 2025 season.

"Damari failed to meet the expectations and standards of our program," Freeze said Monday. "We love him and wish him the best, but that's where it's at."

Alston, who missed two games due to injury earlier in the year, has 32 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown on the year. He played in Saturday's home loss to Georgia, taking seven carries for nine yards.

Freeze later clarified his comments about Alston's dismissal.

"My statement was in no way to be demeaning of Damari's character as a man or a teammate," Freeze said on the Tiger Talk coaches radio show, according to the Montgomery Advertiser. "I think he's a fine individual, and I've really enjoyed being around him and coaching him.

"Certainly, I don't want anyone to think he's done something awfully wrong or horribly wrong. It's just a differencing on what moving forward looks like and your commitment level to a team."

Alston leaves Auburn with 809 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in his four years with the program. Without him, the Tigers will continue to lean on leading rusher Jeremiah Cobb, who has 453 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 70 carries so far this season.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Auburn announces dismissal of team captain running back Damari Alston

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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