Auburn’s Hugh Freeze shares a positive update regarding Alex McPherson
Last season was a tough year for the Auburn Tigers at the kicker position. Auburn had assumed that they would have one of the best in college football in Alex McPherson. Due to what head coach Hugh Freeze called a gastrointestinal issue on multiple occasions, the Tigers were without McPherson for most of the season. The team would have to turn to freshman Towns McGough and then later in the season Ian Vachon. On Tuesday, Freeze updated the kicking situation as spring practice has started on the Plains.
“We have a lot of new kickers, but Alex looks good. He kicked today and made every single kick I believe,” said Freeze. In 2023, McPherson was perfect going 13-for-13 on field goals and making all 40 extra-point attempts. In his only appearance for the 2024 season, he was 1-of-2 on field goals in a 24-10 victory over Kentucky. His lone field goal was for 27 yards.
Freeze went on to say, “He looks really good, and not to get too much into his business, but I think the procedures done on him have been successful. I think he has one more that needs to be done, but I think he has chosen to wait through the season before he does that. He looks good and has definitely gained more weight. He looks healthier and kicked the ball extremely well today.”
A healthy McPherson would be a big addition for the Tigers on the football field. For years, the kicker position has been one that the program has been able to rely on. It was odd for the Tigers to struggle at that spot. “He is excited, but so are Towns (McGough), Ian (Vachon) and (Connor) Gibbs,” added Freeze. “They have all kicked pretty well in the few opportunities that we have seen. We haven’t done it a lot yet, but I thought they all looked good today.”
McGough struggled during the season, going 5-for-12 and was 0-for-5 on kicks of 50 yards or more. He was later replaced by Vachon, who was 6-of-8 but was very limited with his range on distance. Auburn went to the transfer portal and added Connor Gibbs from Southern Miss. Gibbs was 10-for-13 last season with a long of 59 yards.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze recently shared a positive update regarding Alex McPherson, the team’s highly touted kicker. McPherson, who has been a key player in the Tigers’ special teams unit, was the subject of concern after experiencing a minor injury during the offseason. However, Freeze’s update has reassured fans and the Auburn community that McPherson is progressing well and is expected to be a major contributor once the season kicks off.
The 2025 season has high expectations for Auburn football, and McPherson’s role in the team is significant. As one of the top kickers in the country, McPherson has shown remarkable consistency, both in field goal accuracy and kickoff duty. Known for his powerful leg and calm demeanor under pressure, McPherson has been a crucial part of Auburn’s special teams in recent seasons, and his continued development is vital for the Tigers’ success.
In a recent interview, Freeze expressed his satisfaction with McPherson’s recovery, noting that the kicker is ahead of schedule in terms of his rehabilitation. While McPherson had been dealing with a minor lower-body injury, Freeze emphasized that the injury was not serious, and McPherson had been working closely with the training staff to ensure a smooth recovery. The head coach revealed that McPherson has been participating in individual drills and is expected to be at full strength well before the season opener.
Freeze also praised McPherson’s mental toughness and professionalism, noting that he had remained focused throughout the recovery process and has maintained a positive attitude. As one of the leaders of Auburn’s special teams unit, McPherson’s approach to his rehab has been an example for younger players to follow.
With the update from Freeze, Auburn fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that McPherson will be ready to take the field when it matters most. His leg strength and accuracy make him a critical weapon for the Tigers, whether it’s making crucial field goals in tight games or handling kickoffs to set up the defense. As Auburn prepares for the 2025 season, McPherson’s continued growth and health will undoubtedly be key factors in the team’s overall success.