The Auburn Tigers are no strangers to flying under the radar. In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, where powerhouse programs often dominate headlines, Auburn has quietly been assembling a team capable of making serious noise on the national stage. Recently, CBS Sports issued a bold reminder to fans and analysts alike: don’t sleep on the Auburn Tigers. That warning isn’t just for dramatic effect—it’s rooted in growing evidence that head coach Hugh Freeze and his revamped squad could be primed for a major breakout in the 2025 season.
The attention from CBS Sports didn’t come out of nowhere. In a sport where momentum, recruiting, and coaching stability mean everything, Auburn seems to be ticking all the boxes heading into the new campaign. While SEC giants like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU hog the spotlight, Auburn has been meticulously building its foundation with a mixture of top-tier recruits, critical transfer portal additions, and a coaching staff that’s both experienced and hungry.
Let’s begin with Hugh Freeze. Hired to restore Auburn’s winning culture, Freeze has quickly become a central figure in the Tigers’ resurgence. Known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks, Freeze wasted no time in putting his stamp on the program. His first season wasn’t without growing pains, but it offered plenty of glimpses into what the future might hold. Freeze’s leadership style is one of calculated aggression—he’s not afraid to challenge his players, his staff, or the SEC hierarchy itself. That mentality is now embedded in Auburn’s culture.
Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program, and Auburn’s recent efforts have been nothing short of impressive. Freeze and his staff have hauled in top-20 recruiting classes, and they’re not just landing stars—they’re filling specific needs. From bolstering the offensive line to finding speedy defensive backs, Auburn’s recruiting strategy is all about fit and upside. The Tigers aren’t just chasing five-star talent; they’re developing a roster full of players who want to be at Auburn, and who fit Freeze’s vision.
Then there’s the transfer portal, which Freeze has expertly used to inject immediate talent into the roster. While some programs treat the portal as a last resort, Auburn has embraced it as a key component of their rebuild. This offseason alone, they’ve added impact players on both sides of the ball. The coaching staff has targeted proven producers from Group of Five schools, former blue-chip recruits looking for a fresh start, and battle-tested veterans who bring leadership to the locker room. These additions provide both depth and experience—two traits Auburn will need to navigate the SEC gauntlet.
One of the biggest reasons CBS Sports is bullish on the Tigers is the quarterback position. While it’s often a point of instability for programs trying to rebuild, Auburn’s situation is evolving in a positive direction. With a full offseason in Freeze’s system, the quarterback room is finally beginning to take shape. The competition has bred growth, and there’s a growing sense that the Tigers will field one of their most balanced and dynamic offenses in recent memory. The passing game is being designed to open up the field, while the running game—always a staple of Auburn football—is set to be punishing behind an improved offensive line.
Speaking of the offensive line, few units have undergone more of a transformation than Auburn’s front five. In recent years, poor line play hampered the Tigers’ offensive efficiency and limited their ability to control games. That narrative is changing. Through recruiting and transfers, Auburn now boasts size, strength, and athleticism up front. The line is finally built to withstand the physical demands of SEC play, and their development could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
Defensively, the Tigers are bringing back a core that has the potential to be special. Under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, Auburn is expected to be aggressive and disruptive. Their front seven features several returning starters and high-upside newcomers, while the secondary is full of long, rangy athletes capable of matching up with the best receivers in the conference. Defensive success in the SEC often hinges on the ability to create turnovers and get off the field on third down—two areas where Auburn has improved significantly.
Another key element working in Auburn’s favor is Jordan-Hare Stadium. One of the most intimidating venues in college football, it remains a place where elite teams often struggle. Home-field advantage is real in Auburn, and this season’s schedule sets up nicely for the Tigers to capitalize. Key matchups against high-profile opponents will be played in front of a raucous home crowd, which could tip the scales in games that might otherwise be toss-ups.
Auburn’s schedule, while difficult—as expected in the SEC—is not insurmountable. The Tigers will face their share of challenges, including perennial contenders and dangerous road tests. But CBS Sports sees opportunity where others see obstacles. With smart coaching, improved depth, and a team identity that’s starting to crystallize, Auburn has the makings of a squad that could overperform and exceed national expectations. Upsets are always part of the SEC narrative, and the Tigers look well-positioned to deliver a few of their own.
There’s also a palpable hunger within the program. After enduring years of underperformance and coaching turmoil, Auburn is no longer content to play the role of spoiler. This is a team that wants to compete for championships—and not just in the long term. The urgency is there. Players are buying in. The energy around the program has shifted dramatically, and CBS Sports is merely echoing what insiders and fans have been seeing all offseason: Auburn is on the rise, and they’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore.
The importance of team chemistry and leadership cannot be overstated. Several veteran players have stepped into prominent leadership roles, creating a player-led culture that Freeze has championed from day one. Teams that hold each other accountable often outperform those that don’t, and Auburn appears to be fostering exactly that type of environment. Young players are being mentored, veterans are setting the tone, and the locker room has become a true brotherhood—critical for any team looking to survive and thrive in a conference as unforgiving as the SEC.
CBS Sports’ “don’t sleep” warning isn’t just hype—it’s backed by analysis, data, and a deep understanding of how elite college football teams are built. When looking at returning production, offseason additions, coaching upgrades, and the overall trajectory of the program, Auburn checks nearly every box. While they may not enter the season ranked in the top 10, they possess the ingredients to finish there. That’s why national outlets are paying attention. The sleeping giant is waking up.
If Auburn can stay healthy, avoid slow starts, and find consistency in the passing game, there’s no reason why they can’t contend in the SEC. That’s not to say it will be easy—nothing in this league ever is—but the Tigers have narrowed the talent gap and found a coach who knows how to win. That combination makes them dangerous. And when a team with Auburn’s history, resources, and fan base starts gaining momentum, the college football world takes notice.
At the heart of this resurgence is a belief—shared by the players, coaches, and fanbase—that Auburn football’s best days are ahead. That belief has sparked energy across campus, renewed donor support, and filled the recruiting trail with optimism. From the facilities to the film room, there’s a sense of purpose that had been missing for far too long.
In the end, whether Auburn makes a College Football Playoff run this season or simply lays the foundation for one in the near future, one thing is clear: the Tigers are back in the national conversation. CBS Sports wasn’t issuing a casual remark—they were giving fair warning. Auburn is no longer a team to be overlooked. In fact, they may be one of the most dangerous teams flying just below the radar. But not for much longer.
So if you’ve been sleeping on Auburn, now might be the time to wake up. Because come fall, the Tigers could be wide awake and ready to pounce.
