Three Things to Watch in Auburn’s Spring A-Day Game

Auburn University’s Spring A-Day game is an annual football event that offers fans a glimpse into what the team will look like in the upcoming season. It’s an exciting opportunity for fans, coaches, and players alike, as the spring game often features a blend of up-and-coming talent, position battles, and tactical shifts in play. This game is crucial in setting the tone for the fall and provides insight into the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Here are three key things to watch during Auburn’s Spring A-Day game:

1. Quarterback Battle: Who Will Be the Starting Signal Caller?

Perhaps the most anticipated storyline surrounding Auburn’s Spring A-Day game is the quarterback competition. A strong signal caller is a vital component to any successful team, and Auburn has a few options to consider for the starting position in the upcoming season.

The Candidates:

• Robbie Ashford: The incumbent quarterback from last season, Ashford, brings mobility and a dual-threat capability to the table. Although his performance in the passing game was inconsistent in 2023, his athleticism allowed him to make plays with his legs, making him an intriguing option for the Tigers. Ashford showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with decision-making and accuracy at times. His ability to lead drives and improve his consistency in the passing game will be crucial for Auburn’s success moving forward.
• Hank Brown: A highly touted freshman, Hank Brown brings a more traditional pocket-passing style to the quarterback room. His strong arm and ability to make all the throws are his strengths, but questions remain about his readiness to compete at the SEC level. Spring practice is an opportunity for Brown to showcase his skills and prove he can handle the speed of the game in a live setting.
• T.J. Finley: Finley, a veteran who transferred from LSU, also has experience but has yet to solidify himself as the long-term answer at quarterback for Auburn. He possesses the size and arm strength to make NFL-level throws, but similar to Ashford, his consistency has been a point of concern.

Why This is Important:

The quarterback position is the foundation of any successful football program, and Auburn’s success in 2025 will likely hinge on which player takes the reins. While the Spring A-Day game is often a time to evaluate talent without the pressure of a regular-season game, this competition could continue into the fall camp. However, spring provides an early opportunity to gauge which quarterbacks are progressing and which may need more work.

Key things to watch during the A-Day game will include:

• Accuracy: How well do the quarterbacks execute the passing game? Are they making accurate throws to all parts of the field?
• Decision Making: How quickly do they make decisions, and do they avoid risky turnovers?
• Command of the Offense: Which quarterback looks more comfortable in the huddle and can keep the offense moving?
• Mobility: Can Ashford use his legs to extend plays, or is the pocket-passing ability of Brown and Finley more effective in this system?

Auburn fans will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the quarterbacks and determine which player will emerge as the leader of the offense.

2. The Offensive Line: Will Auburn Find Consistency Up Front?

One of the most crucial areas for any team to improve upon during the spring season is the offensive line. The Tigers have struggled with consistency along the offensive line in recent years, and this spring game presents an opportunity to evaluate if new personnel or changes in philosophy can result in better performance come fall.

Why the Offensive Line is Key:

The offensive line’s performance will have a ripple effect on virtually every other aspect of the offense, from the quarterback’s performance to the success of the running game. Auburn’s offensive line has dealt with issues such as protection breakdowns, missed assignments, and the inability to open running lanes, making it difficult to establish offensive rhythm and consistency.

The New Faces:

• Transfers and Freshman Additions: Auburn has brought in several new players through the transfer portal and recruited a number of talented freshmen who could impact the line. The battle for starting spots will be fierce, and this game will help determine which players have solidified their spots or are still fighting for their place in the rotation.
• Returnees: Players like Brandon Council and Cam Stutz are expected to anchor the line, but it remains to be seen if the returning veterans will step up and lead by example or if Auburn will look to younger, more dynamic talent.

What to Watch:

• Pass Protection: Is the offensive line able to keep the quarterback clean? This is crucial not only for the development of the passing game but also for confidence at the quarterback position. Look for how well they protect against the pass rush and whether there are noticeable breakdowns.
• Run Blocking: Is the offensive line able to create lanes for the running backs? Auburn’s ground game has long been a hallmark of the program, and the offensive line’s ability to pave the way for running backs will be critical in setting up the offense for success.
• Depth and Rotation: Pay attention to how the offensive line rotates during the game. Do certain players establish themselves as reliable starters, or does the depth still seem thin? This could be a good indicator of the line’s overall development and depth heading into the regular season.

The ability of Auburn’s offensive line to protect the quarterback and create holes for the running game will directly impact the overall success of the offense. A dominant offensive line could be the foundation for a very effective offensive attack, while continued struggles could result in a frustrating season.

3. Defensive Playmakers: Who Will Step Up as the Leaders of the Defense?

While Auburn’s offense will certainly be a focal point during the A-Day game, it is just as important to look at the defensive side of the ball. Auburn’s defense has historically been a strong suit for the program, and in 2025, they will need to continue that trend if the Tigers want to compete in the SEC.

Key Areas to Watch:

• Pass Rush: Auburn has long been known for having one of the most potent pass rushes in college football, and the Spring A-Day game will provide an early look at who might step up to fill that role in 2025. Look for edge rushers like Jalil Irvin and D.J. James to generate pressure on the quarterback, disrupting the passing game and forcing mistakes. A dominant pass rush is essential for Auburn’s success, as it can alleviate pressure on the secondary and help create turnovers.
• Secondary: Auburn has talent in the secondary, but with key departures, the cornerbacks and safeties will need to show that they can be shutdown defenders. Players like Keionte Scott and Jalyn Simpson will be crucial in this battle. Watch for how the secondary handles deep throws and whether they can successfully shut down opposing receivers.
• Linebackers: Auburn’s linebacking corps has a number of young talents that could be poised for breakout seasons. Players like Austin Keys and Wesley Steiner could be among the leaders of the defense, and their ability to read offenses and contribute both in pass coverage and against the run will be a major storyline.

What to Watch:

• Tackling and Pursuit: Does the defense stay disciplined, and do they show an ability to close down the ball carrier quickly? Look for high-level pursuit from the front seven, and the ability to wrap up tacklers consistently in the open field.
• Coverage Skills: Pay attention to how well the defensive backs are covering wide receivers. Are they staying on their assignments, or are there noticeable lapses in coverage?
• Impact Plays: Does the defense create turnovers, either by interception or forced fumble? Auburn’s defense has a history of creating chaos, and the ability to do so will be a key factor in the success of the team.

The Big Picture for Auburn’s 2025 Season

The Spring A-Day game is an important early assessment of Auburn’s football team as they look ahead to the 2025 season. While there will undoubtedly be key position battles and individual standout performances, the overall goal is to get a glimpse of which players are ready to step up and lead the team to success.

The three key things to watch—quarterback play, offensive line consistency, and defensive playmaking—will give fans a solid foundation for understanding where Auburn stands as they prepare for the fall. Whether it’s a surprise quarterback emerging as the starter, the offensive line showing improvement, or the defense continuing to dominate, this Spring A-Day game will provide a lot of valuable information for fans and coaches alike.

By keeping an eye on these areas, Auburn fans will have a better sense of what to expect as the Tigers prepare for the challenges of the SEC in 2025.