Hugh Freeze's work on the recruiting trail is being recognized. After years of working to get the Auburn Tigers on the level of their in-state Power 4 co-tenant, the Alabama Crimson Tide, ESPN's Heather Dinich claimed AU is finally there.
Dinich predicts the Iron Bowl to finish around 9-3, and believes the 2025 Iron Bowl could determine which of the two makes the 2025/2026 College Football Playoff field.
"An Iron Bowl win. Beating rival Alabama in the regular-season finale could be a critical head-to-head tiebreaker if both teams finish with the same record and are on the bubble. It's not unreasonable for both Alabama and Auburn to finish with three losses this fall -- but it's also possible that Alabama earns a spot in the SEC title game. Auburn will have home-field advantage against the Tide, and a win would leave a lasting impression, especially if Alabama has a chance to win the SEC," Dinich wrote.
Kalen DeBoer has many narratives to battle in year two. Even though he finished with nine wins in 2024, the Crimson Tide fanbase needs more after experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime dynasty under Nick Saban.
Similarly, Freeze is at the end of his rope. If this the recruiting wins don't turn into tangible success, AU can stretch out his buyout over multiple years and find someone who can do right by the booster class's spending.
Dinich just set both coaches up for failure by projecting success. And quite frankly, given the resources used to make both programs winners in a state that has plenty of problems that taxpayer money can go to instead, it's completely fair.
We'll see if the Iron Bowl has the kind of stakes Dinich believes it can.
If it doesn't, there will be talk of replacing at least one coach in the Yellowhammer State.