There is no hiding the fact that since taking over the Auburn football program, head coach Hugh Freeze has fallen short of expectations over the last two seasons. Now, as he heads into year three, expectations are higher than ever for Freeze and the Tigers.
On Sunday, April 13, Freeze leaned into those expectations, acknowledging the historical success of the program and letting fans know that he understands what they want out of him.
"Any time you take over a program of this magnitude that has the expectations Auburn does, there's a reason you got it," Freeze said. "You have to have top 10 recruiting classes in this league... I do feel optimistic that with the two we've had, we can compete."
"Any time you take over a program of this magnitude that has the expectations Auburn does, there's a reason you got it... You have to have top 10 recruiting classes in this league... I do feel optimistic that with the 2 we've had we can compete" - Hugh Freeze on Auburn's roster pic.twitter.com/OUJ0rUu2Wu
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) April 13, 2025
Since Freeze took over the program, Auburn has gone an abysmal 11-14, including an 18-point loss to the Maryland Terrapins in the 2023 Music City Bowl, to go 6-7 during his first season.
According to On3, Freeze has the No. 10 recruiting class of 2025 as the Tigers look to improve upon their 5-7 finish to last season, falling short of a bowl game qualification.
Freeze's class of 2025 commitments includes five four-star and two three-star prospects, including four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star wide receiver Devin Carter, four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle, and more.
This season, the Tigers have seven home games on the schedule, a huge leg up for Auburn as it is home to one of the most difficult stadiums for visiting teams to win in: Jordan-Hare. Notably, the Tigers will play the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium, as well as three non-conference opponents.
Auburn will kick off its 2025 campaign with a road trip to Waco, Texas, where the Tigers will face the Baylor Bears on Friday, Aug. 29.