© Mickey Welsh / USA TODAY NETWORK
Antonio Coleman’s college football debut looks like it will have to wait after news of a mysterious suspension surfaced days before the Auburn opener.
According to head coach Hugh Freeze, that punishment is “indefinite,” providing no set timeline on a potential return. At this point, it seems likely that he’ll miss some game time.
Coleman was expected to make an immediate impact as a true freshman. Most projected the defensive lineman to be in the rotation at tackle.
Now, his future is a bit unclear.
Antonio Coleman was a prized recruit.
The four-star Alabama product picked the Tigers over the likes of Alabama and Tennessee. His recruitment was a roller coaster for Freeze and Co.
Coleman initially committed to the Tide before flipping to the Tigers, then back to Alabama, and then back to Auburn.
He made that fourth and final commitment in July of 2024. He stuck with the pledge through December’s signing window and enrolled this past January.
It was considered a huge win for the program. At Saraland High, Coleman was a star, racking up 55.5 tackles for loss across a three-year career. Freeze hopes the disruptive tendencies on the field can continue into college.
While at one point in time Coleman valued the Alabama staff’s ability to develop defensive line talent, playing time at Auburn ultimately won out in his recruitment.
That playing time, at least as a freshman, is now expected to be cut due to suspension.
What did the defensive lineman do?
Details at this moment remain unknown. Coach Freeze has played it close to the vest, simply calling the wrongdoing a violation of team rules.
The “indefinite” tag would imply that the infraction was somewhat serious. Antonio Coleman is now the third Tiger to be suspended this offseason.
The punishment sparked an immediate reaction on social media. Due to his history of flipping schools, many speculated of a potential transfer.
Is he on flip watch again? https://t.co/f5leRLlMAc
— Whit Strong (@whitstrong15) August 18, 2025
Coleman shot that narrative down quickly. He doesn’t intend to go anywhere.
A clip was posted from Tuesday’s Auburn football practice showing the lineman running drills in full pads. He reposted the video to his personal Instagram page.
Sights and sounds from #Auburn practice today. The Tigers are 10 days away from their opener in Waco.
– Antonio Coleman was practicing. Monday Hugh Freeze said the freshman was suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules.
– Eric Singleton was the only offensive player in… pic.twitter.com/8FK4Mh7DIm— Davis Baker (@DavisBakerTV) August 19, 2025
Coleman is committed to the Auburn Tigers. He wanted his followers to know after the suspension update.
The freshman may not see the field in the season opener, but he plans on getting back in the coaches’ good graces by year’s end.