Auburn's Hugh Freeze an example of new blueprint for success in college football

Hugh Freeze's work with Auburn football on the recruiting trail has OutKick's Barrett Sallee viewing him as the blueprint for success in the sport -- particularly because of his focus on explosive play-making on the offensive side of the ball.

"Freeze is a perfect example of the new blueprint for success in college football," Sallee said. "Defense doesn’t win championships anymore, 'just enough defense' does. The definition of 'just enough' varies based on a wide variety of factors, primarily who dynamic the offense on the other side of the ball is.

"With higher-quality players on offense and studs coming to campus on the defensive side of the ball, expect Auburn to be a powerhouse in the not-too-distant future."

What's funny about Sallee's analysis is that he mentioned eight blue-chip defensive recruits before claiming the Freeze is bringing on "just enough defense." While he's not wrong about offense winning championships, every great championship team throughout the years has a handful of players who can force momentum-shifting plays on defense too.

That's something Ron Roberts promised in 2023. We got Eugene Asante out of it, but the defense didn't deliver much under Roberts, who has since taken a co-defensive coordinator job at Florida under Billy Napier.

Hugh Freeze's Auburn football program must provide proof of concept in 2024

Never trying to be a buzzkill, but the truth needs to be told. On repeat. This recruiting success means less for Freeze if his team can't provide results on the field, especially as it relates to the Class of 2026 and beyond.

With the frequency of flips in the modern age, proof of concept is what these kids are signing up for beyond NIL payouts.

Winning generates revenue. Having important games throughout the entire calendar brings more eyeballs and advertising dollars. If AU can't do that, they will not only lose interest from kids who want to win, but they'll also fall behind in the NIL arms race.

Luckily, the talent level on the field in 2024 is elevated far above what it was in 2023. Many of Freeze's most talented players are freshmen, but he brought in a strong transfer class as well; particularly at receiver.

The offense should be better and the defense should be better. Proof of concept just may be on the way.

But it has to be for the celebration of this recruiting success to not be in vain.