**Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze Previews the Tigers’ 2025 Season at SEC Media Days in Atlanta, Georgia**
The buzz surrounding Auburn football is palpable as head coach Hugh Freeze took the stage at SEC Media Days in Atlanta, Georgia, to preview the Tigers’ highly anticipated 2025 season. With a mix of returning talent, key transfers, and an evolving offensive and defensive identity, Freeze exuded confidence while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in the nation’s toughest conference.
Freeze, entering his third season at the helm, has steadily rebuilt the program since his arrival, and 2025 could be the year Auburn takes a significant leap forward. The Tigers finished the 2024 season with an 8-5 record, including a bowl victory, but the expectations in Auburn are always higher than just a winning season. Competing in the SEC West, where Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M loom large, requires not just talent but depth, discipline, and a bit of luck. Freeze knows this better than anyone, and his message in Atlanta was clear: Auburn is ready to compete at the highest level.
One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 season is the quarterback position. Last year, Auburn rotated between experienced transfers and young talent, but Freeze hinted that this year’s starter is already emerging as the clear leader. Redshirt sophomore Hank Brown, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season, appears to have the inside track. Freeze praised Brown’s command of the offense, his decision-making, and his ability to extend plays—a critical trait in the modern SEC.
“Hank has taken ownership of this team,” Freeze said. “He’s put in the work, and the guys respect him. We’ve seen tremendous growth in his understanding of our system, and he’s got the arm talent and mobility to make all the throws we need.”
Brown won’t be without competition, however. Highly touted freshman Deion Walker, a five-star recruit from Texas, has impressed in summer workouts, and Freeze acknowledged that the young phenom will push for playing time. “Deion is special,” Freeze said. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor, and we’re not afraid to play him if he gives us the best chance to win.”
The Tigers’ offense should also benefit from a reloaded receiving corps. Leading returning wideout Camden Brown is expected to take another step forward, while Georgia transfer CJ Smith adds immediate explosiveness to the perimeter. Freeze also highlighted the emergence of sophomore tight end Micah Riley, who could become a mismatch nightmare in the red zone.
“We’ve got weapons,” Freeze said. “This might be the deepest group of pass-catchers we’ve had since I’ve been here. If we protect up front and get them the ball, we can be dangerous.”
Speaking of protection, Auburn’s offensive line remains a work in progress but has shown improvement. The Tigers added two key transfers in left tackle Percy Lewis (Mississippi State) and guard TJ Ferguson (Florida State) to solidify the trenches. Freeze emphasized that the line’s development will be crucial in determining whether Auburn’s offense can reach its full potential.
While much of the offseason focus has been on Auburn’s offense, Freeze made it clear that the Tigers’ defense will be the backbone of the team in 2025. Under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, Auburn has adopted an aggressive, attacking style designed to create turnovers and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
The strength of the defense lies in the front seven, where edge rusher Keldric Faulk returns as one of the SEC’s most feared pass rushers. Faulk, who recorded 9.5 sacks last season, is poised for an All-American campaign. Alongside him, linebacker Austin Keys anchors the middle of the field with his instincts and physicality.
“Keldric is a game-wrecker,” Freeze said. “When he’s on, he changes the entire dynamic of a game. And Austin is the heart of our defense—he gets everyone lined up and makes plays all over the field.”
The secondary, which was a question mark last season, has been bolstered by the addition of cornerback Colton Hood, who transferred from Georgia Tech. Hood’s experience and ball skills should help stabilize a unit that struggled at times in 2024. Freeze also mentioned safety Sylvester Smith as a breakout candidate after a strong offseason.
“We’ve got to be better in the back end,” Freeze admitted. “But I like the progress we’ve made. Colton brings a veteran presence, and Sylvester is ready to take that next step.”
Auburn’s 2025 schedule is as brutal as ever, featuring road trips to Georgia, Alabama, and Missouri, along with home showdowns against Oklahoma and LSU. Freeze didn’t shy away from the difficulty but emphasized that his team is embracing the challenge.
“There’s no easy weeks in this league,” Freeze said. “Every game is a dogfight. But that’s why you come to Auburn—to play in these kinds of games. Our guys know what’s in front of them, and they’re excited for it.”
The season opener against Oklahoma in Jordan-Hare Stadium will set the tone. The Sooners, now fully acclimated to SEC play, present an early test for Auburn’s revamped offense. Freeze called it a “measuring stick” game, one that will reveal a lot about his team’s maturity and preparation.
Of course, the Iron Bowl against Alabama remains the ultimate barometer. Freeze acknowledged the rivalry’s significance but stressed that Auburn’s focus is on stacking wins week by week. “You can’t get caught up in one game,” he said. “But yeah, beating Alabama is always a goal. Our fans deserve it, and our players want it.”
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Auburn is the cultural shift Freeze has instilled. After some early growing pains, the Tigers now boast a locker room filled with player-led accountability. Freeze pointed to veterans like Austin Keys, Camden Brown, and offensive lineman Izavion Miller as leaders who have set the standard.
“The culture is in a great place,” Freeze said. “These guys hold each other accountable. They push each other every day. That’s how you build a winning program.”
Freeze also credited his coaching staff for their relentless recruiting efforts, which have Auburn positioned as a rising force in the SEC. The 2025 recruiting class ranked in the top 10 nationally, and the transfer portal additions have filled critical gaps.
As SEC Media Days wrapped up, the overarching theme from Freeze was optimism—but not without realism. Auburn isn’t yet in the same tier as Georgia or Alabama, but the gap is closing. With a dynamic quarterback, an improved offensive line, a ferocious defense, and a favorable home schedule, the Tigers could surprise some people in 2025.
“We’re not where we want to be yet,” Freeze said. “But we’re getting closer. This team has the talent and the mindset to compete with anyone. Now it’s about going out and proving it.”
For Auburn fans, that’s all they can ask for. The 2025 season could be the year the Tigers roar back into national relevance—and Hugh Freeze is ready to lead the charge.
