An aqueous superabsorbent polymer precursor composition that includes a superabsorbent polymer precursor prepared by polymerizing alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers in the presence of inorganic metal salt catalyst, and an optional metal ion containing crosslinking agent, and a method of making an absorbent article that includes contacting a mesh with a slurry that includes cellulose fibers to form a wet fiber mat, removing water from the wet fiber mat, contacting the wet cellulose fiber mat with the aqueous superabsorbent polymer precursor composition, and drying the mat.