Hugh Freeze Teases Auburn Tigers’ Transfer Portal Isn’t Complete

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has made it clear that his team is still actively working on the transfer portal, signaling that the Tigers are far from finished reshaping their roster. As college football evolves and the transfer portal becomes a crucial tool for roster management, Freeze and his coaching staff are looking to leverage it effectively to bring Auburn back into the upper echelon of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Auburn’s Transfer Portal Approach Under Hugh Freeze

Since taking over as head coach, Freeze has emphasized a balanced approach to building his team. While he has always been a proponent of recruiting top high school talent, he acknowledges the necessity of supplementing his roster with experienced transfer players.

“We will always prioritize high school recruiting because that’s where you build the foundation,” Freeze recently stated. “But in today’s game, you have to be active in the transfer portal to address immediate needs.”

This philosophy has led Auburn to pursue key transfers to strengthen various position groups. Whether it’s addressing gaps in depth or adding experienced players who can contribute immediately, Freeze has been deliberate in his approach.

Key Transfers Auburn Has Already Secured

Auburn has made significant additions through the portal, including former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold. Arnold, a five-star recruit from the Class of 2023, brings elite-level talent and experience to the Tigers. He played sparingly at Oklahoma but showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 444 yards in limited action.

In addition to Arnold, Auburn has landed key pieces at several other positions, including:

Wide Receiver: The Tigers added an explosive playmaker in former Ohio State receiver Caleb Burton. Burton, known for his speed and route-running, provides an immediate boost to Auburn’s receiving corps.
Offensive Line: Auburn secured two veteran offensive linemen to bolster a unit that struggled last season. Freeze has emphasized improving protection for his quarterbacks and creating running lanes for his backs.
Defensive Line: The Tigers landed a pair of defensive tackles who bring size and power to their front seven, a crucial addition to competing in the SEC.

These moves indicate that Auburn is looking for immediate impact players who can help them compete right away.

The Positions Auburn is Still Targeting

Despite these additions, Freeze has hinted that Auburn is still looking to fill key holes before the upcoming season. Some of the positions Auburn is reportedly targeting include:

Linebacker: Auburn has solid talent at linebacker but could use additional depth. SEC offenses are increasingly fast-paced, making it essential to have multiple capable linebackers who can rotate in.
Defensive Back: While the Tigers have talent in the secondary, they could use another experienced cornerback to solidify the defense.
Tight End: A pass-catching tight end remains on Auburn’s wish list, as Freeze’s offensive scheme heavily incorporates the position.

Freeze’s Thoughts on the Transfer Portal and NIL

The transfer portal has drastically changed college football, and Freeze has been candid about both the benefits and challenges it presents.

“I understand the importance of the portal, but it’s not without its difficulties. You have to evaluate players quickly, and sometimes it feels like free agency,” Freeze said. “There’s also the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) factor, which can make things complicated.”

Freeze has expressed concerns over the “bidding wars” that take place for top transfer players. He has emphasized that Auburn wants to operate within the rules and create a culture that attracts players for more than just financial incentives.

“We’re going to offer competitive NIL opportunities, but I want guys who want to be here because they believe in our vision,” Freeze explained. “That’s how you build a winning program.”

How Auburn’s Transfer Strategy Compares to Other SEC Programs

Auburn is not alone in aggressively pursuing transfers. Programs like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia have all utilized the portal to reload their rosters quickly. However, each program takes a slightly different approach.

Alabama: Under Nick Saban, Alabama has typically relied on high school recruiting but has recently increased its portal activity, particularly for experienced offensive linemen and defensive backs.
LSU: Brian Kelly has embraced the transfer portal, especially on defense, where LSU has added several key starters through transfers.
Georgia: Kirby Smart has used the portal selectively, typically targeting only one or two high-impact players each offseason.

Auburn is looking to strike a balance, ensuring they don’t become overly reliant on transfers but still using the portal as a tool to strengthen the roster where necessary.

Building for the Future: High School Recruiting vs. Transfers

Freeze understands that while transfers can provide immediate help, long-term success comes from developing homegrown talent. Auburn has been making strides in high school recruiting, highlighted by the commitment of Deuce Knight, a top quarterback prospect from the 2025 class.

Knight’s commitment signals that Auburn is still a premier destination for top-tier high school talent, which is essential for sustained success. By blending high school recruits with experienced transfers, Auburn is working to build a roster that can compete year after year.

What’s Next for Auburn in the Transfer Portal?

As Freeze teased, Auburn’s transfer portal work is not done. The Tigers will continue evaluating available talent and making strategic additions to round out their roster before the season kicks off.

With spring practice around the corner, Auburn’s coaching staff will have a better understanding of which areas still need reinforcement. Expect the Tigers to be active in the portal until they are confident that they have a complete team ready to compete in the SEC.

Hugh Freeze’s approach to the transfer portal is a calculated one. He understands that Auburn needs to use the portal to stay competitive, but he also remains committed to building a program through high school recruiting. By carefully selecting transfers who fit Auburn’s culture and needs, Freeze is positioning the Tigers for both immediate success and long-term stability.

Auburn fans should keep a close eye on upcoming transfer announcements, as Freeze has made it clear that the Tigers are not finished making moves. With a few more key additions, Auburn could enter the upcoming season as one of the most improved teams in the SEC.