No-Huddle Notes: A Lot of New for Auburn Football This Spring

The start of spring football in Auburn is always a time of hope and anticipation. Every new season brings with it new possibilities, and for Auburn football in 2025, that anticipation is paired with a sense of the unknown. With a number of changes within the program—both in terms of personnel and coaching—spring practices are serving as a critical period for establishing the foundation for the upcoming season. From a new coaching staff to an influx of transfers and young talent, Auburn’s spring workouts are offering fans and analysts a glimpse into what the Tigers might look like when the 2025 season kicks off.

As new head coach Hugh Freeze works to imprint his vision on the program, a lot is changing around Auburn football. The 2025 season will mark a new era for Auburn, one that hopes to reinvigorate a program that has underperformed in recent seasons. The changes aren’t limited to just the head coach either—Freeze’s staff overhaul and the additions of key transfer players have ushered in a renewed sense of optimism around the program.

This piece will take a closer look at the many changes taking place during Auburn’s spring football period, including new faces on the coaching staff, positional battles, the transfer portal impact, and what all this means for the Tigers in 2025.

The Hugh Freeze Era: New Leadership and New Expectations

The most significant change for Auburn this spring is undoubtedly the hiring of Hugh Freeze as head coach. After a turbulent few years under the leadership of Bryan Harsin, Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen sought out a coach who could not only stabilize the program but also bring it back to national relevance. Freeze, who has had successful stints as a head coach at Ole Miss and Liberty, is seen as a program-builder with a proven track record of success.

Freeze’s hiring has injected a new level of energy and focus into the program. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Freeze is expected to bring a more dynamic offensive system to Auburn. For Tigers fans, the prospect of a high-powered offense is an exciting change after several years of stagnation on that side of the ball.

From the outset, Freeze has emphasized a commitment to discipline, hard work, and creating a culture of accountability. He has been quick to point out that it will take time to fully implement his vision, but the changes are already evident in the way the team is practicing this spring. Freeze’s focus on building a winning culture is setting the tone for how Auburn will approach both on-field and off-field expectations.

Coaching Staff Overhaul: New Faces and New Perspectives

Alongside the arrival of Hugh Freeze, Auburn has also undergone significant changes to its coaching staff. Freeze has brought in several new assistants, all of whom are tasked with revitalizing different aspects of the team. The new staff members bring a mix of experience, innovative ideas, and a fresh perspective to a program that needed just that.

One of the most critical hires was Philip Montgomery as the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator. Montgomery comes to Auburn after a successful tenure at Tulsa, where he developed one of the most dynamic offenses in the American Athletic Conference. His offensive philosophy aligns with Freeze’s, but Montgomery will bring his own unique flavor to the Tigers’ play-calling. Expect a faster tempo, more emphasis on the passing game, and creative ways to get the ball into the hands of Auburn’s playmakers.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ron Roberts was hired as the defensive coordinator. Roberts has spent time coaching in the SEC at LSU, and his defensive schemes are expected to add a level of aggressiveness and physicality that Auburn fans have come to expect from their defense. Roberts is known for his ability to develop players and his emphasis on pressuring the quarterback, which will likely result in a more aggressive pass-rush strategy for the Tigers in 2025.

The addition of Terry Price as the defensive line coach and Derrick LeBlanc as the defensive backs coach adds further strength to the defensive staff. Price, known for his ability to coach up defensive line talent, will work with Auburn’s already talented front seven, while LeBlanc will focus on developing Auburn’s secondary, which will be critical in the Tigers’ transition to Freeze’s style of defense.

These coaching changes have set a new tone for the Auburn football program, with a focus on aggressive, high-tempo offense and a stout, opportunistic defense. The staff’s chemistry with the players, combined with Freeze’s leadership, will be crucial as the Tigers navigate the 2025 season.

Position Battles: Who Will Emerge as Key Players?

While coaching changes are the most obvious shift for Auburn this spring, the Tigers also have several key positional battles that need to be settled before the start of the 2025 season. With the departure of several veterans and the influx of new talent, spring practice is a critical time for players to prove themselves and secure starting spots on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback: The Most Important Battle

Without a doubt, the most talked-about position battle in Auburn spring football is at quarterback. After Robbie Ashford‘s departure, TJ Finley will compete with Holden Geriner, a young and talented signal-caller, for the starting job. This battle is critical, as the quarterback position is the engine that drives the offense. Under Hugh Freeze, who has a history of getting the best out of his quarterbacks, it will be interesting to see which player rises to the occasion during spring practice.

TJ Finley, the incumbent, has had a rocky start to his Auburn career but has all the tools to be successful, including a strong arm and good size. Finley will need to improve his decision-making and consistency if he wants to hold off the competition and secure the starting role. Holden Geriner, on the other hand, has impressed during his time with the Tigers, showing great promise as a dual-threat quarterback with a natural feel for the position. Geriner’s ability to make plays with his arm and his legs will make him a dangerous option if he can continue developing under Montgomery and Freeze.

Expect the competition between Finley and Geriner to remain tight throughout spring ball, with both players expected to get significant reps as Freeze looks to assess their skills and leadership qualities. Freeze has made it clear that the best man will get the starting job, and this battle could go down to the wire.

Wide Receiver: Strength in Numbers

The wide receiver position is another area of focus for Auburn in 2025. With Kobe Hudson and Demetris Robertson departing, there are opportunities for new players to step up. Fortunately for Auburn, the Tigers have an abundance of talent at wide receiver. Ja’Varrius Johnson and Malcolm Johnson Jr. return as experienced options, and newcomers like Camden Brown and Jay Fair are expected to make an impact right away.

Auburn’s new offensive scheme under Freeze and Montgomery will likely rely heavily on the passing game, and as a result, the wide receiver corps will need to step up in a big way. The competition for playing time is fierce, and the spring period is vital for receivers to prove they can separate from defenders, make plays downfield, and provide the quarterback with reliable options.

Defensive Line: Dominance Up Front

Auburn’s defense, under Ron Roberts, will likely focus on creating pressure up front, and the defensive line will be a crucial area of competition this spring. With several veterans returning, including Colby Wooden and Marcus Harris, Auburn is in a strong position to dominate the trenches. However, the Tigers also have an influx of new faces who will be vying for playing time, including Jabari McDowell and Joseph Phillips.

The defensive line will be tasked with pressuring opposing quarterbacks and stopping the run, and with a new coach at the helm, there will be a shift in defensive philosophy that could unlock even more potential from this unit. The depth and talent on the defensive line will make this one of the most exciting position battles to watch this spring.

Transfer Portal Impact: New Faces in the Mix

Another significant factor shaping Auburn’s spring football practices is the impact of the transfer portal. In the age of NIL and the portal, teams have more mobility than ever before, and Auburn has taken full advantage of the system to fill gaps and strengthen its roster. Players such as Jalen McLeod (defensive end from Appalachian State) and Damari Alston (running back from Georgia Tech) are expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers.

The transfer portal not only fills positions of need but also provides valuable competition for Auburn’s returning players. Newcomers like McLeod will likely be in the mix for significant playing time on defense, while Alston brings added depth to the backfield. These additions, combined with a solid core of returning players, have created a strong foundation for Auburn as the spring practices unfold.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Auburn Football

As Auburn continues to work through spring practices, the Tigers are facing an exciting time of change and growth. With a new coaching staff, new players, and a redefined culture, the 2025 season promises to be an intriguing one. While the road ahead will likely have its challenges, the depth of talent on the roster and the leadership of Hugh Freeze give Auburn fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

The competition in key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line will be closely watched, and the contributions of newcomers through the transfer portal will help to shape the identity of the team. But one thing is clear: Auburn football is in the midst of a transformation, and the changes happening this spring are setting the stage for an exciting new era.

As the Tigers continue their spring practices, fans will eagerly watch to see how the pieces fall into place, who emerges as a leader, and how the program adapts to Hugh Freeze’s vision. With new faces, new energy, and renewed purpose, Auburn football is ready to take on whatever challenges the 2025 season may bring.