Head coach Hugh Freeze of Auburn University
Auburn football’s 2024 campaign has been anything but smooth sailing, yet head coach Hugh Freeze remains confident that the program is headed in the right direction. After a challenging first season, Freeze made sweeping changes to his coaching staff and secured a highly touted #8 recruiting class, raising hopes for a turnaround on the Plains.
Despite the optimism, the season has not unfolded as many fans had hoped. The Tigers, currently facing the possibility of a fourth consecutive losing season, have struggled to find their footing. Expectations were tempered heading into 2024, with few expecting Auburn to make a playoff push. Still, many anticipated improvement—progress that has yet to materialize.
Quarterback play has been a point of frustration for the Tigers. Payton Thorne and Hank Brown have given their all, embodying the Auburn spirit in the face of adversity, but it’s clear that Freeze’s decision not to pursue a quarterback in the transfer portal may have hampered the team’s potential. One can’t help but wonder how different the Tigers’ season might look with more talent at QB1.
Still, there are bright spots amid the struggles. Auburn’s young defense has shown flashes of promise, while key offensive contributors—dubbed the “Freeze Four”—are making plays and providing hope for the future. Freeze himself sees plenty of signs that the program is progressing, even if the wins haven’t followed just yet.
“My ask is to stick with us through the growing pains and support our guys, and efforts in our recruiting, because the results are going to come,” Freeze said, via Auburn Live. “We’re not that far off, and I hope the ’25 recruiting class sees that and knows they have a chance to come in and immediately impact this program, just like the ’24 class. Building takes time. I think you are all aware of what we inherited.”
Auburn will have another chance to right the ship this Saturday when they head to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, with the Tigers hoping to make a statement against their SEC rivals.
As Auburn navigates the growing pains of rebuilding under Freeze, the coach is urging fans to remain patient, trusting that brighter days are ahead for the program.
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