As Auburn University embarks on a new era under head football coach Hugh Freeze, expectations are high, and the pressure is mounting. After years of instability at the helm, Auburn’s administration made a bold move by hiring Freeze to lead the Tigers back to prominence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for his ability to turn programs around, Freeze’s arrival at Auburn has generated a lot of excitement and optimism. However, despite the buzz surrounding Freeze’s hiring, the reality of coaching in the SEC comes with immense challenges, and the question remains: What will ultimately decide Hugh Freeze’s success at Auburn in 2025?
While Freeze’s track record as a coach suggests he has the tools to succeed, there are several factors that will play a key role in determining whether his tenure at Auburn is a success. In a recent interview on his popular radio show, Paul Finebaum, one of the most respected voices in college football, shared his thoughts on the primary factor that will decide Hugh Freeze’s success at Auburn in 2025. According to Finebaum, it’s not about Freeze’s recruiting ability, offensive schemes, or leadership style. While those factors certainly matter, Finebaum emphasized that Auburn’s success under Freeze will come down to one thing: the performance of the quarterback position.
The Quarterback Position: The Key to Success
For any college football program, the quarterback is the most important position on the field. The success or failure of a team often hinges on the play of the quarterback, and in the case of Auburn, Finebaum argues that the quarterback position will be the primary factor that determines Freeze’s success in his first full season.
Hugh Freeze has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, as evidenced by his success with signal-callers like Chad Kelly at Ole Miss and Malik Willis at Liberty. However, the challenges he faces at Auburn are far different. The Tigers have been searching for consistent quarterback play for several seasons, and the position has been a major source of frustration for both the coaching staff and Auburn fans. In recent years, Auburn has had several quarterbacks struggle to meet expectations, and this has prevented the team from reaching its full potential.
Finebaum pointed to the fact that Auburn has yet to find a quarterback who can consistently perform at a high level, and this is the area that Freeze will need to address if he is to succeed in 2025. Auburn’s offense, which has been relatively stagnant in recent seasons, needs a quarterback who can lead the team, make timely throws, and keep opposing defenses honest. Without this essential component, Auburn will struggle to compete in the SEC, where elite quarterbacks are a necessity for success.
The Battle for Quarterback Supremacy
The quarterback situation at Auburn is complicated, with multiple contenders vying for the starting job. As of now, the competition includes Robby Ashford, a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays with his legs and arm, and Jackson Arnold, a highly touted freshman from Denton, Texas. Both quarterbacks bring different skill sets to the table, and the decision of who will start at quarterback will be one of the most important decisions Freeze makes.
Robby Ashford, who transferred to Auburn from Oregon, has a strong arm and impressive mobility. His ability to escape pressure and make plays on the move is a valuable asset in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the SEC. However, Ashford has struggled with consistency, and his inability to execute in crucial moments has led to questions about whether he can be the long-term answer for Auburn at quarterback. In 2024, Ashford showed glimpses of brilliance, but he was also prone to mistakes, throwing interceptions at key moments. The challenge for Freeze will be to develop Ashford into a more consistent and reliable quarterback who can lead Auburn’s offense effectively.
On the other hand, Jackson Arnold represents the future for Auburn. As a five-star recruit and one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, Arnold has the potential to be a star. Known for his powerful arm, accuracy, and mobility, Arnold possesses all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level of college football. However, as a freshman, there will inevitably be a learning curve. The question remains whether Freeze will be willing to throw Arnold into the starting role right away or if he will allow him to develop further behind Ashford. Freeze’s ability to manage the quarterback position and make the right decision will be critical in determining the success of Auburn’s offense in 2025.
Finebaum believes that Freeze’s success at Auburn will ultimately depend on his ability to identify and develop the quarterback who can excel in the SEC. If either Ashford or Arnold can step up and take control of the position, Auburn’s offense will have a much higher ceiling. However, if the quarterback situation remains unsettled or if Freeze struggles to develop a consistent starter, Auburn will face an uphill battle in what is always a competitive and challenging conference.
The Quarterback’s Role in Freeze’s Offensive System
One of the reasons that Finebaum is so focused on the quarterback position as the key to Hugh Freeze’s success is the style of offense that Freeze is expected to run at Auburn. Known for his high-powered, up-tempo offenses, Freeze has historically relied on his quarterback to be the centerpiece of the system. Whether it was Chad Kelly at Ole Miss or Malik Willis at Liberty, Freeze’s offenses have been built around quarterbacks who are capable of making quick decisions, reading defenses, and executing plays in a fast-paced environment. This requires a quarterback who is both mentally sharp and physically gifted.
At Auburn, Freeze will need to find a quarterback who can thrive in this style of offense. This system is designed to create mismatches and put pressure on opposing defenses by running fast, dynamic plays that keep defenders on their toes. The quarterback will need to make quick decisions on the fly, both as a passer and as a ball-carrier. Whether it’s hitting deep passes, executing RPO (run-pass option) plays, or making plays with their legs, Freeze’s offense demands a quarterback who is versatile and can perform in high-pressure situations.
The challenge for Freeze is not only finding the right quarterback but also developing that quarterback within the framework of his system. The quarterback needs to be able to manage the tempo, execute reads, and make accurate throws under duress. Freeze’s coaching staff will work closely with the quarterbacks to ensure that they understand the nuances of the system, and that they are capable of performing when the stakes are high. As Finebaum pointed out, Freeze’s offensive philosophy has historically been quarterback-centric, and his success at Auburn will be largely determined by the development of his signal-caller.
The Importance of the Surrounding Talent
While Finebaum has placed much of the emphasis on the quarterback position, it’s important to note that the surrounding talent will also play a critical role in Hugh Freeze’s success at Auburn. While the quarterback is certainly the most important player on the field, a successful offense requires contributions from a variety of positions.
At running back, Auburn has a wealth of talent, including rising star Jarquez Hunter, who has shown the ability to be a game-changer in the backfield. Hunter’s ability to carry the load and contribute in both the running and passing game will be crucial to taking pressure off the quarterback. The success of Auburn’s running game will provide balance, helping to open up passing lanes and keep defenses honest.
The wide receiver position will also be pivotal to Auburn’s offensive success. With players like Koy Moore, Jay Fair, and Camden Brown expected to step up as playmakers, Freeze will need to utilize these weapons in creative ways to keep defenses off balance. Strong wide receiver play will give the quarterback the tools necessary to execute the offense and make big plays in critical moments.
Up front, the offensive line will need to continue its development to provide solid protection for the quarterback and establish a strong running game. Freeze has already begun working with offensive line coach Jake Thornton to improve the unit’s technique and physicality. The offensive line’s ability to give the quarterback time in the pocket and open up running lanes will be essential to Auburn’s success.