When Paul Finebaum reflects on Hugh Freeze’s tenure as head coach of the Auburn Tigers, his critiques are often sharp and unrelenting. Freeze, now under intense scrutiny after a second consecutive Iron Bowl loss, has once again found himself a focal point of Finebaum’s commentary.
“With Auburn, [I] kind of came away with an empty feeling. Really have to wonder about this program’s future,” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. “Recruiting is one thing, and I know the hype machine is going crazy there. But in two or three weeks, we’ll have a better look at the portal and recruiting [landscape] to figure out what Hugh Freeze needs to do next year to save his job. Because he’s clearly on the hot seat.”
Finebaum’s critique echoes the frustrations of Auburn fans, many of whom are questioning Freeze’s ability to lead the program back to prominence. While Freeze’s efforts on the recruiting trail—delivering another top-10 class—have been commendable, the results on the field tell a different story. Auburn’s predictable 28-14 loss to Alabama only intensified the pressure on Freeze to produce immediate improvement.
The Path Forward: Recruiting and the Transfer Portal
Freeze has responded by doubling down on his rebuilding process. While securing five-star quarterback Deuce Knight is a significant win, the Tigers will also need immediate impact players from the transfer portal, particularly at quarterback. Freeze has been linked to targets like USC’s Miller Moss, who could provide the leadership and production Auburn desperately needs under center.
A Pivotal Year Ahead
Looking beyond recruiting rankings, Auburn’s administration and fan base will demand tangible progress on the field in 2025. The grace period for Freeze’s rebuilding efforts is over, and a third consecutive losing season could seal his fate.
Finebaum’s assertion that Freeze is firmly on the hot seat feels accurate. Success in recruiting will mean little without results on Saturdays, and Freeze must turn Auburn’s promise into performance—or risk being another chapter in the program’s turbulent coaching carousel.
