As the Auburn Tigers prepare for the 2025 football season, the start of spring practice marks an important step forward in head coach Hugh Freeze’s quest to restore Auburn to prominence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With a fresh energy and a sense of renewed optimism surrounding the program, Auburn enters this spring with a new look, new faces, and an invigorated coaching staff. For the Tigers, spring practice is not just a chance to fine-tune their skills, but an opportunity to lay the foundation for a season filled with promise.
This spring, Auburn’s focus will be on several key areas: establishing offensive identity, developing depth at critical positions, building chemistry between new players and returners, and ensuring that the Tigers are ready to face the stiff competition in the SEC. In this article, we’ll break down what Auburn football has been working on during spring practice, the storylines surrounding the team, and what fans can expect to see as the Tigers work toward the 2025 season.
New Leadership and a Renewed Energy
When Hugh Freeze was hired as Auburn’s head coach, it was clear that a new direction was necessary to return the program to its former glory. Freeze, who has a strong track record of success in the SEC, has quickly gained the trust of Auburn fans and players alike. His ability to develop quarterbacks and establish high-powered offenses will be a key focus as Auburn looks to regain relevance in the national college football landscape.
Spring practice under Freeze is marked by a high level of intensity and attention to detail. He has already made a major impact on the culture at Auburn, instilling a sense of accountability and discipline within the team. Freeze’s reputation for being a meticulous and demanding coach has resonated with Auburn’s players, and they are responding to his leadership.
The shift in culture is evident from the start of spring practice, with players showing a new level of commitment and excitement. As Freeze and his staff evaluate talent and begin implementing their system, it’s clear that Auburn is going to look vastly different from previous seasons. The new leadership is already paying dividends, as the Tigers aim to build a foundation for sustained success.
Quarterback Battle: The Future of Auburn’s Offense
One of the most closely watched storylines during spring practice is the battle for the starting quarterback job. With the transfer of veteran quarterbacks and the addition of highly-touted recruits, Auburn has created a highly competitive environment at the most important position on the field.
Robby Ashford, who transferred from Oregon, is a dual-threat quarterback with tremendous upside. Ashford’s ability to make plays with his arm and legs has been a major point of emphasis during the early stages of spring practice. Known for his mobility, Ashford is expected to be a key component of Auburn’s offense under Freeze’s system, which often relies on a quarterback’s ability to extend plays and make decisions on the fly. The coaching staff has been impressed by his poise in the pocket and his natural ability to read defenses, and they are eager to see how he continues to develop throughout the spring.
However, Ashford is not the only quarterback in the mix. The freshman phenom, Jackson Arnold, has already shown flashes of brilliance, and many consider him one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. Arnold, who was a five-star recruit out of Denton, Texas, possesses a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility that makes him a potential future star for Auburn. While it’s unlikely that Arnold will win the starting job as a freshman, his potential is undeniable, and the coaching staff is eager to continue developing him throughout the spring.
The quarterback battle will be one of the most significant storylines to follow as spring practice continues. With both Ashford and Arnold showing promise, Auburn has two quarterbacks who could lead the offense in different ways. The key for Freeze and offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery will be to figure out how to best utilize the skill sets of each player and establish a clear starter heading into the 2025 season.
The Offensive Line: Building the Foundation
One of the most important areas of focus for Auburn this spring is the offensive line. Offensive line play has been a source of frustration for Auburn in recent years, with inconsistent protection and struggles in the running game. However, under the leadership of offensive line coach Jake Thornton, Auburn is working to build a cohesive and powerful offensive line unit that can protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the Tigers’ backs.
Thornton has made a significant impact since arriving at Auburn, and his emphasis on technique, discipline, and physicality has already paid off in early spring practices. The offensive line has shown more cohesion and fluidity, with linemen getting off the ball quicker and establishing better leverage in both the running game and pass protection. Thornton’s system emphasizes power, strength, and explosiveness, which are qualities Auburn has lacked in recent seasons. He’s working with his players on their footwork, hand placement, and awareness of defensive schemes to ensure that they’re prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the SEC.
Auburn’s offensive line features several returning players who will play pivotal roles in the 2025 season. Seniors like Brady Latham and Keiondre Jones bring experience and leadership to the group, while younger players like Cam Stutz and Jayden Buskey have the opportunity to step up and make an impact. The combination of experienced veterans and promising young players is exactly what Auburn needs to rebuild its offensive line into a strength of the team.
In addition to improving the line’s technical skills, Freeze and Thornton are focused on building depth. Injuries and fatigue can take a toll on offensive linemen over the course of a long season, so having a deep rotation will be crucial to Auburn’s success. Spring practice is the perfect time to evaluate players’ performances and identify the top contributors who can provide valuable depth throughout the season.
Wide Receiver Play: Finding Playmakers
Another area of emphasis during Auburn’s spring practice is the wide receiver position. Over the past few seasons, Auburn has struggled to consistently produce big plays in the passing game. However, with a new offensive system in place and an emphasis on spreading the field, Auburn’s wide receivers are expected to take on a larger role in 2025.
This spring, the coaching staff has been evaluating the development of several wide receivers who have the potential to be key contributors in the passing game. Players like Koy Moore, Jay Fair, and Omari Kelly have all shown flashes of big-play potential, and they will be counted on to step up as Auburn’s primary targets in the passing game. Freeze’s offense is known for utilizing wide receivers in a variety of ways, from traditional routes to screens, jet sweeps, and downfield shots. This versatility will allow Auburn’s wide receivers to be a major factor in the offensive game plan.
Additionally, freshman Camden Brown has already been making a name for himself during spring practices. Brown, a five-star recruit from Alabama, has elite athleticism and route-running ability. His size and speed give him the ability to make an immediate impact, and coaches have been impressed by his work ethic and his ability to learn the offense quickly. The development of Brown, along with the progression of the returning wide receivers, will be critical to Auburn’s success in the passing game.
Defensive Improvement: Building a Tougher Defense
While Auburn’s offense has been a primary focus during spring practice, the defense is also undergoing important changes as the Tigers look to become more formidable on that side of the ball. Under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, Auburn is shifting toward a more aggressive, attacking defense that will rely on creating turnovers and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The defensive line is expected to be a strength for Auburn, with returning players like Marcus Harris and Jayson Jones providing leadership and experience. Harris, in particular, has been a standout player for Auburn’s defense, and his ability to generate pressure from the interior of the defensive line will be a key asset. Auburn has also added several new faces through the transfer portal to bolster its defensive depth, including linebacker Owen Pappoe and safety J.D. Davis.
Auburn’s defensive backs will be another area to watch as spring practice continues. The Tigers have a solid group of cornerbacks and safeties, but they will need to improve their ability to cover explosive wide receivers and prevent big plays. The development of young players like Jaylen Simpson and Nehemiah Pritchett will be key in helping Auburn’s secondary become a more consistent force.