The Auburn Tigers lost three quarters of the "Freeze Four" when Cam Coleman signed a big-money deal to commit to the Texas Longhorns, Malcolm Simmons did the same with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and Perry Thompson went to the Minnesota Golden Gophers for some reason.
The member of the "Freeze Four" who stayed, Bryce Cain, may be the biggest benefactor of Simmons' and Florida Gators transfer Eric Singleton Jr.'s departures, in particular. Auburn Tigers On SI's Micah Farmer believes Cain could break out in Alex Golesh and Joel Gordon's offense as a slot receiver, since there wasn't a surefire transfer from the USF Bulls brought up to the Plains.
"Though Auburn did add five receivers in the transfer portal, the majority of them are outside threats, excelling as either the X or the Z in head coach Alex Golesh’s wide choice offense. The two best are Keshaun Singleton and Jeremiah Koger, each of whom played significant time on the outside for the Bulls in 2025," Farmer prefaced before saying, "However, the group lacks a true dynamic slot threat, which is where Cain can break out in a big way.
"The redshirt sophomore’s strongest attribute as a recruit was his game-breaking ability in the open field, where he excelled at making defenders look silly with both his short-area quickness and his ability to get to top speed and stay there. However, that role was filled by Malcolm Simmons and Eric Singleton Jr. for much of last season. Though with those two players gone, and a new offensive system installed, it is officially Cain’s time to shine."
Bryce Cain can quickly become an Auburn fan-favorite
Cain may benefit from Coleman, Simmons, and Thompson leaving the region, and Ryan Williams' Alabama Crimson Tide career falling off a cliff, with a likely first-round NFL draft pick, Ty Simpson, as his QB. Who knows how much Williams will regress with Austin Mack or Keelon Russell?
The narrative to go from the unsung member of Hugh Freeze's planned "Freeze Five" to being the best of the bunch is possible for Cain. Coleman may play second-fiddle to Ryan Wingo in Austin, while Simmons will contend with Coy Eakin, Micah Hudson, Bryson Jones, and Tristian Gentry for touches in Lubbock. Maybe Simmons will succeed as one of Drake Lindsay's top weapons up in the Twin Cities, but the Gophers were far from an explosive offense in 2025 with the Fayetteville, Arkansas, native slinging the rock.
Meanwhile, all Cain needs is a few unforgettable moments during wins for Tiger fans to celebrate his staying and crowning him the true prize of the "Freeze Four."