A lot of college football programs are hoping the 2025 season will be the start of something new and the beginning of a prosperous era for them. Auburn is at the top of the list of such programs. Auburn are one of the most successful teams in SEC history as they have eight conference championships and two national championships.
However, their last title came in 2010, and they also lost the championship game in 2013 to Florida State. The last few years have gone horribly wrong for the Tigers as they have faced four consecutive losing seasons and has struggled to win more than six games in five straight seasons.
Paul Finebaum Puts Pressure on Hugh Freeze After Auburn Struggles
Since they lost the championship game in 2013, Auburn are on their third coach and have only recorded a 10-win season once. Hugh Freeze is Auburn’s latest coach, and he was appointed just before the 2023 season. He has also struggled for success with the program and he’s beginning to face criticism too.
SEC Network analyst, Paul Finebaum criticized Hugh Freeze and the Tigers on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” although he did note that Freeze has been faced with challenges since his appointment.
‘Let’s be honest, it’s been somewhat of a disaster. Although, as Freeze and certainly John Cohen have convinced everyone who will listen, they inherited a complete and utter dumpster fire, which is accurate. But, at some point, you have to start winning.” Finebaum said.
Recruiting was very poor before Freeze’s appointment as Auburn ranked 19th in the country on average for the three recruiting classes before him. (2021-2023). However, Freeze has improved the Tigers in that regard as they’ve been ranked top 10 in his seasons in charge.
Auburn fans expect to see an upturn in their fortunes this season as they are seeing progress under Freeze albeit a little slow. Auburn ranked No. 26 in 2022 transfer portal rankings but finished fifth in Freeze’s first offseason before ranking eighth last season.
The Tigers will open the 2025 season at Baylor, and this will be Hugh Freeze’s first time coaching a game in Waco, Texas.
“They are a good football team to face on the opening Friday night of the season and a national TV audience is always exciting. It will be a good challenge for us,” Freeze said last week.
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After ending last year with a 5-7 record and missing the bowl game, the pressure and the stakes are higher for Freeze and the Tigers to deliver something positive for the fans this coming season.
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