Hugh Freeze’s second season as Auburn football's head coach ended in disappointment, whimpering to an end with a 28-14 loss to Alabama last weekend.
However, despite a 5-7 record, Auburn is poised to sign a top-five recruiting class (so far), a remarkable achievement amid the on-field struggles.
Despite the recruiting success, questions linger: Will Freeze’s success on the recruiting trail be enough to secure his future?
Auburn football lands top five recruiting class despite on-field struggles
Recruiting has been Freeze’s one saving grace since arriving at Auburn. According to the On3 Industry Team Rankings, Auburn boasts the fifth-best class this year heading into the early signing period.
This success includes commitments from high-profile players such as 5-star cornerback Blake Woodby. It is a follow-up to what is considered a top 10 class last year. Freeze’s ability to retain and attract elite talent is a testament to his recruiting prowess.
The class also features a strong defensive line group, headlined by 4-star prospects Malik Autry, Nate Marshall (flipped from Michigan), and Jourdin Crawford. These additions bolster a unit that struggled in 2024.
Keeping recruits from flipping will be key this offseason
While the Tigers have secured elite commitments, Freeze is also facing challenges holding onto recruits. Such is the life of the NIL era of college football. Offensive tackle Tavaris Dice, a four-star recruit, flipped to Florida after initially being committed to Auburn. Similarly, cornerback Donovan Starr is expected to leave AU's class, with Alabama and Vanderbilt emerging as favorites.
Despite these setbacks, Auburn’s staff continues to make aggressive moves. The Tigers are also working to flip Tennessee commit Darrion Smith, who is deciding between the two schools.
Strategic additions and development
Despite its struggles, Auburn’s top-ten class from last year had players who made an immediate impact. Wide receivers Cam Coleman (#5 recruit 2024) and Malcolm Simmons, both true freshmen, already flashed their potential this season.
The Tigers are also addressing gaps in the roster in the transfer portal. For example, Freeze has to prioritize finding a quarterback in the portal after Payton Thorne’s inconsistent season. Deuce Knight’s potential is exciting if he chooses to stay, but Freeze knows Auburn needs a proven passer to lead the offense in 2025.
Similarly, positions like offensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback are areas Freeze plans to address through transfers.
Hugh Freeze isn't getting the job done on Saturdays
While Freeze’s recruiting success is undeniable, his in-game coaching has drawn criticism. Poor red-zone efficiency and questionable play-calling plagued Auburn in 2024, leaving fans frustrated. The Iron Bowl loss to Alabama highlighted these issues, as the Tigers struggled to capitalize on opportunities despite a strong showing from Jarquez Hunter and Cam Coleman.
Freeze acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing the need for better decision-making and execution.
“Disappointing to end the season like we did,” Freeze admitted after the Iron Bowl. “There’s a lot to build on, for sure, with those young guys and hopefully the class we can sign next week.”
Recruiting: A lifeline for Hugh Freeze’s future on the Plains?
For Freeze, recruiting may be the key to retaining his job. He inherited a depleted roster and has made strides in improving Auburn’s personnel. However, results on the field must follow. A top-five recruiting class buys time, but it won’t fully satisfy fans or boosters if the team continues to underperform.
Freeze has to turn Auburn into a consistent contender quickly. He has to emphasize better quarterback play, improved red-zone efficiency, and smarter in-game adjustments in 2025. The foundation is being laid, but the results must match the talent Freeze is bringing to the Plains.
Freeze and the college's recruiting efforts offer hope for a fanbase dreaming of past glory days. The Tigers’ top-five class is filled with potential stars, and the school's ability to still attract elite talent despite on-field results is positioning Auburn for long-term success. However, Freeze’s tenure ultimately hinges on translating recruiting wins into on-field victories.
The question remains. Would Freeze still be around to see the recruiting class reach its full potential if Auburn gets off to a bad start in 2025?