Auburn football: Plainsman claims Hugh Freeze knows what it takes to be at AU

Let’s take a trip down Auburn football memory lane. In February of 2022, the program had descended into a state of complete chaos. An inquiry was being executed into head coach Bryan Harsin, multiple staffers had jumped ship, and there were questions as to whether or not Harsin would get the chance to coach a second season on the Plains.

Recruiting was in the dumps, the national spotlight was on the disarray within the program, and as much as some fans wanted to support Harsin, there was always doubt and negativity surrounding the hire.

Fast forward to February 2023. Head coach Hugh Freeze is roughly two months into his tenure on the Plains, the #18 overall class and the #4 transfer class have been secured for the upcoming season, and the Tigers are coming off an extremely successful recruiting event that will lay the groundwork for years to come.

The mood on the Plains is completely different. There is excitement, and even hope in the air that did not exist 365 days ago. According to Auburn University’s The Plainsmen, Hugh Freeze, unlike his predecessor, truly understands what it means to be the Tigers’ head coach:

"Freeze gets it. As he led 9,121+ fans in a roaring “War Eagle” chant in Neville Arena during the Arkansas basketball game, he knows what it takes to be at Auburn. From President Chris Roberts to Director of Athletics John Cohen, all is in the proper balance to put Auburn in a position to reclaim its spot back with the prestigious programs in college football."

Most importantly, Freeze has demonstrated that he WANTS to be here. He wants this job, he wants to compete against top programs in recruitment, and he wants to win in the SEC. Though change certainly doesn’t happen overnight or in a single offseason, the Auburn football program is finally back on an upward trajectory.