After just two seasons with the Tigers, Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze is under a lot of pressure to prove himself worthy of his position. So far, Freeze has led the team to a disappointing 11-14 overall record and has, so far, failed to capture a bowl game victory.
Recently, one national columnist put Freeze on a hot seat. In fact, he blatantly said that the Auburn head coach is on the hottest seat in the nation.
"I think Hugh Freeze has the hottest seat of anybody in college football," Connor O'Gara, of Saturday Down South, said while on The Next Round podcast show. "It’s such a ‘prove it’ year for him."
He went on to talk about how Freeze has all of the pieces to improve this season, with the No. 8 recruiting class of 2025 in the nation as well as the No. 8 transfer portal class this year. However, O'Gara says that it's on Freeze to prove that he has what it takes.
“I think Hugh Freeze has the hottest seat of anybody in college football…
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) April 16, 2025
It’s such a ‘prove it’ year for him.” @cjogara pic.twitter.com/AYOssFfrg3
Hugh Freeze season records with the Auburn Tigers
- 2023: 6-7 overall, Music City Bowl loss to Maryland
- 2024: 5-7, no bowl game appearance
So far, Freeze has yet to secure a winning record since taking over the Auburn football program, one touted with history and Heisman winners like Cam Newton and Bo Jackson. The 2024 season was extremely disappointing for Freeze, winning just two games against SEC opponents (Kentucky and Texas A&M).
His third year with the Tigers might not be the be-all, end-all of Freeze's tenure in Auburn, but it is vital for his longevity with the team that he secures his first winning record, and very likely a bowl game win as well.
Auburn and Freeze will kick off their 2025 campaign with a road game in Texas. The Tigers will face the Baylor Bears in Waco on Friday, Aug. 29.