Despite securing a second consecutive top-10 recruiting class, Paul Finebaum remains unconvinced about the future of Auburn football under Hugh Freeze. While Auburn’s 2025 class ranks sixth nationally, featuring standout recruits like 5-star quarterback Deuce Knight and 4-star cornerback Blake Woodby, Finebaum argues that recruiting success alone isn’t enough for Freeze to secure his long-term job at Auburn.
Freeze’s recruiting efforts have been impressive, with Auburn landing 25 new players, including top talents like running back Alvin Henderson. However, Finebaum points out that the Tigers’ on-field performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. Auburn finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-7 record, including a second straight loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl. This marked Freeze’s second consecutive losing season, leaving fans frustrated despite strong recruiting classes.
Finebaum is particularly critical of Freeze’s inability to translate recruiting success into victories, especially with persistent issues like poor red-zone efficiency, questionable play-calling, and reliance on ineffective quarterback play. With the SEC growing increasingly competitive, patience is running thin among Auburn’s demanding fan base, and they expect more than just recruiting wins.
Freeze’s position is precarious, as another losing season could spell the end of his tenure, just like his predecessor Bryan Harsin, who was fired with a 9-12 record. While Freeze’s recruiting efforts have bought him some time, Auburn will need significant improvement on the field in 2025 to keep his job.
Key recruits like Knight, Woodby, and Henderson offer hope for the future, but Auburn’s success will depend on Freeze’s ability to develop talent and improve the team’s performance in crucial games, particularly the Iron Bowl.
