Auburn’s efforts to attract top-tier recruits reached a low point in the months leading up to the hiring of Hugh Freeze as head coach for its football team. In Freeze’s first year in 2023, the Tigers qualified for the Music City Bowl; however, the following year saw a decline in performance, increasing the pressure on Freeze as he entered his third season.
After starting the 2024 season with a 2-1 record, Auburn suffered four straight losses, including narrow defeats against Oklahoma and Missouri. The Tigers had the chance to secure bowl eligibility with a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, but their loss in Tuscaloosa ended their season.
As they head into 2025, Auburn features a revamped quarterback lineup, including top recruits Jackson Arnold and Deuce Knight. Sophomore receiver Cam Coleman is being recognized as one of the most underrated players in the nation, while defensive prospects Malik Autry and Antonio Coleman are generating significant attention.
While Freeze is mindful of the expectations heading into 2025, one of Auburn’s most renowned athletes has also emphasized the need for improvement amidst the excitement surrounding the revamped roster.
“He needs to have a good year—that’s all there is to it,” NBA icon Charles Barkley stated on “The Next Round.” “He can’t finish with a 6-5 record. We need to determine what qualifies as a good or great year, but we must see some positive results.”
Barkley noted Auburn’s struggles in 2024, as SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee solidified their status as top teams in the conference. The Tigers will have an opportunity to secure an upset against Georgia when the Bulldogs visit Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, followed by hosting the Crimson Tide in the annual Iron Bowl on November 29.
For Auburn to advance, Barkley made it clear what he believes Freeze’s squad needs to do.
“We just have to give it our all,” he said. “It’s that straightforward.”
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