Hugh Freeze may have strayed from his original vision for Auburn football and posted an 11-17 record over his first two years, but that doesn’t necessarily make him a failure. It simply suggests his initial approach didn’t work—and he’s now showing he can pivot.
Maybe I’m being overly generous, but I see this as a sign of maturity.
When Freeze took over three years ago, he talked big—aspiring to rebuild Auburn the traditional way by developing high school talent, despite the rise of NIL deals and the transfer portal.
That plan quickly unraveled.
Despite the motivational press conference soundbites, Auburn’s 2025 roster tells the real story—23 players left via the portal. So much for the ideals of loyalty and long-term development.
Freeze didn’t win an SEC title at Ole Miss, and his early struggles at Auburn are casting doubt on whether he can succeed in today’s rapidly changing college football landscape. In the past, Year Three would be the defining season for a coach. Fortunately for Freeze, he adapted to the new rules just in time.
Now heading into his third year, Auburn’s roster includes 19 transfers, highlighted by standout additions like former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold and Georgia Tech wideout Eric Singleton Jr.
Arnold is a step up from last season’s QB, Payton Thorne, and Freeze has always had an eye for talented receivers. While he was slow to embrace the transfer-heavy model, the shake-up might work in Auburn’s favor—especially if the newcomers outperform the departures.
Just look at Deion Sanders. Auburn passed on him three years ago, and it’s looking more like a mistake. Prime went all-in on the portal from day one and nearly got Colorado—a program that was among the worst just a few years ago—into the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Even Indiana followed that blueprint and leapfrogged Alabama into the postseason.
Freeze got a grace period in Year One, but Year Two exposed his reluctance to change. He looked like a coach stuck in an outdated mindset with Thorne at the helm.
Remember Gene Chizik’s second year? He was ahead of the curve.
While Arnold may not be the next Cam Newton, Freeze believes he has what it takes to be one of the top QBs in the nation next season. Auburn fans have learned to be cautious with hype, but there’s reason to be hopeful.
Surely Freeze wouldn’t bring in a quarterback from Oklahoma who wasn’t capable of winning games there, right?
Auburn opens SEC play in 2025 against Oklahoma on September 20—a pivotal game in Freeze’s Auburn career.
A win could vault Auburn into the national title conversation. A loss could signal the end of Freeze’s run.
Was 2024 the low point? And how many wins does Freeze need to survive 2025?
If he finishes 5-7 again, it’s hard to see athletic director John Cohen sticking with him.
By Year Three, top SEC coaches are usually contending for titles. Is that too ambitious for Freeze? Auburn should aim for 10 wins, but critical road games against Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas will define the season.
If Freeze doesn’t get at least eight wins, he’ll be labeled a failure—and he’ll have no excuses left.
Would you like a condensed version of this as well?