The Auburn Tigers are facing a new era of football in 2025 under head coach Hugh Freeze. After a tumultuous 2023 season, where the team struggled to find a rhythm offensively, the spotlight is now on the quarterback position. Auburn’s performance in 2025 will largely depend on who steps up as the leader under center and how they perform during spring practice and beyond. Quarterback play has been inconsistent for several years at Auburn, and Freeze’s coaching staff is determined to change that narrative. As spring football begins, let’s take a deep dive into the quarterback position for Auburn and analyze what to expect moving forward.
A New Beginning Under Hugh Freeze
Hugh Freeze’s arrival in Auburn has generated significant excitement. Known for his offensive acumen, Freeze brings a high-powered system that will lean on a quarterback capable of making quick, decisive decisions. Historically, Freeze has had success with dual-threat quarterbacks, but he’s also worked with traditional pocket passers who can operate a fast-paced, up-tempo offense. His ability to develop quarterbacks—highlighted by his success with former Ole Miss quarterbacks like Chad Kelly and Bo Wallace—has Auburn fans eager to see how his system will benefit the Tigers’ signal-caller situation.
The Auburn quarterback battle in the spring is shaping up to be a crucial storyline, as Freeze’s system will require the quarterback to be a dual-threat in many instances. With several players vying for the starting role, the spring session will give us a better idea of who will emerge as the leader under center when Auburn opens the 2025 season.
The Returning Players
Auburn enters spring with a few quarterbacks on the roster who have previous playing experience but have struggled to establish themselves as consistent starters. Let’s break down the top returning players who could factor into the competition:
1. TJ Finley
T.J. Finley, a veteran quarterback, has been with Auburn since 2021 and has seen significant playing time in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Standing at 6-foot-7, Finley has the physical traits that make him intriguing. He possesses a powerful arm and the size to see over the line of scrimmage. However, Finley has yet to find consistency in his play, and his struggles with accuracy and decision-making have prevented him from locking down the starting job.
Finley’s experience could work to his advantage in a quarterback battle. He has a solid understanding of Auburn’s offensive system and knows what it takes to compete at the SEC level. But Freeze’s offense will require more than just raw physical ability. To win the starting job, Finley must show that he can make quick, precise decisions, improve his mechanics, and take better care of the football.
2. Robbie Ashford
Robbie Ashford, who played in several games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, has earned a solid following from Auburn fans who believe he could be the future of the program. Ashford’s biggest strength is his mobility; as a dual-threat quarterback, he is capable of making plays with his legs. He’s a dynamic athlete who can extend plays outside of the pocket and is dangerous as a runner.
However, Ashford’s passing game is still a work in progress. While he has shown flashes of the ability to throw the ball downfield, his accuracy and consistency need improvement. Freeze’s offense could provide Ashford the perfect opportunity to develop as a passer, but he will need to prove he can do more than just use his legs. If Ashford can become a more polished passer, he has a real chance to win the starting job in the spring.
3. Zach Calzada
Zach Calzada transferred to Auburn from Texas A&M ahead of the 2022 season with high expectations, but his career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. Calzada’s most memorable moment was his victory over Alabama in 2021 as the Aggies’ starting quarterback, where he led Texas A&M to a historic win over the Crimson Tide. His ability to stand tall in the pocket and make throws downfield is his biggest strength. However, Calzada has yet to fully showcase his talents at Auburn due to injury and competition for the starting role.
If Calzada can stay healthy, he is another candidate who could make a push for the starting job. He has shown the ability to execute Freeze’s offense, but his biggest challenge will be getting into rhythm and finding confidence. Spring practice will be key for Calzada, as it will give him the chance to prove himself fully healthy and ready to compete.
The Incoming Freshmen and New Faces
Along with the returning players, Auburn has also brought in new talent to compete for the quarterback spot in 2025. These fresh faces may have the upside to eventually seize the role and offer the team a new dynamic under center.
1. Holden Geriner
Holden Geriner, a 2023 signee, came to Auburn with a lot of hype as a talented pocket passer with a high football IQ. A former 4-star recruit, Geriner has a smooth throwing motion and the ability to make all the necessary throws on the field. While his lack of experience at the college level is a factor, his potential is something that Auburn fans are eager to see.
In the spring, Geriner will be battling for playing time, and his ability to pick up Freeze’s system quickly could determine whether he’s in contention for the starting job. Given his talent and his potential as a traditional pocket passer, Geriner will certainly be someone to watch closely during spring camp.
2. Conner Harrell (Transfer)
Conner Harrell, who transferred to Auburn from North Carolina, is another intriguing option. A former 3-star prospect, Harrell spent the 2023 season as a backup in Chapel Hill but brings valuable experience and maturity to the table. He’s known for his mobility and ability to make quick decisions, which fits Freeze’s offensive scheme. Though his transfer experience is limited, Harrell has the type of skill set that could mesh well with Freeze’s high-paced, spread offense.
Offensive System and What It Demands from the Quarterback
Hugh Freeze’s offense is built around quick reads, explosive plays, and maximizing the quarterback’s ability to make fast decisions under pressure. The quarterback needs to be efficient in distributing the football, able to read defenses, and have the physical tools to extend plays with their legs if necessary. Freeze also emphasizes a vertical passing game, which will require the quarterback to stretch the field and make accurate deep throws.
One of the key components of Freeze’s offense is the use of the quarterback as a dual threat. While the passing game will be a focus, Freeze will undoubtedly build his system to allow the quarterback to utilize their mobility. This means whoever wins the starting job must be a dual-threat, able to make plays with both their arm and legs.
What to Watch for in Spring Practice
As Auburn enters spring practice, there are several key areas to monitor when it comes to the quarterback position:
- Consistency in the Passing Game: The quarterback who can show the most consistency in the passing game—especially in terms of accuracy and decision-making—will have a significant edge in the competition. Auburn needs a quarterback who can convert third downs and put points on the board.
- Mobility and Playmaking Ability: In Freeze’s system, mobility is crucial. Look for which quarterbacks can move in the pocket, escape pressure, and make plays with their legs when needed.
- Leadership and Command: Spring practices are also a time for quarterbacks to show leadership qualities. The quarterback who can command the huddle, make quick decisions, and lead the offense effectively will be difficult to beat out.
- Competition from Newcomers: Keep an eye on the incoming freshmen and transfers. If any of them can quickly adapt to Freeze’s system, they could push for immediate playing time. A new face emerging as a strong competitor would add intrigue to the race for the starting job.