Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze sends strong message about QB room

The Auburn football team has officially finished spring practice after an A-Day game that was largely spoiled by awful weather. It was hard to truly evaluate anything in the cold, pouring rain, but nevertheless it was still an opportunity to watch Auburn football.

Obviously, the question that everyone wants answered as soon as possible is that of the quarterbacks. Who is the coaching staff favoring? Will anyone be transferring after spring practice? Are the Tigers going to take a QB from the transfer portal?

As far as head coach Hugh Freeze is concerned, the Tigers are most definitely open to taking players from the transfer portal at any position as long as they fit the culture that he and his coaching staff are building on the Plains. Over the weekend veteran QB TJ Finley noted that he wasn’t sure if he would stick around if a transfer QB was brought in, but Freeze is still determined to build a winning team, per Auburn Rivals:

"“I think the transfer portal opens soon and we are open to any position that’ll help us improve our team, as long as they fit within the culture,” said Freeze. “That includes the quarterback room. I know people make a big deal out of that, but the bottom line … I think competition is helpful for those that handle it right. And for those that don’t, they’re probably not going to be the winners for you anyway."

Not only does that send a strong message to the quarterbacks that are currently competing for the starting spot on the Plains, but it also speaks to any QBs that might be planning to transfer in. No one is being promised QB1. Everyone will have to compete and prove themselves ahead of the 2023 season.

As far as whether or not he will take a quarterback from the portal, there was no solid answer, but the Tigers’ head coach made it clear that he’s keeping his options open after spring practice, and TJ Finley, Holden Geriner, and Robby Ashford must be prepared for competition ahead of this fall.