Hugh Freeze ‘more comfortable’ entering second season at Auburn, sees ‘better’ roster, culture

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Hugh Freeze firmly believes the football program is headed in the right direction following a 6-7 first season and multiple coaching changes during the offseason.

“I’m much more comfortable,” Freeze said on Tuesday prior to a speaking engagement with SEC media days fast approaching.

“I think any time you take over a program like Auburn, which in my opinion is one of the top 10 programs in the country, the expectations are to win and win pretty fast. That’s the only pressure you feel. In year two, our roster is better, I feel better in the building, I love the chemistry I feel, the culture I see being developed among our players and staff.”

In are offensive coordinator Derrick Nix, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin and co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Charles Kelly. Promoted were quarterbacks coach Kent Austin and defensive tackles coach Vontrell King-Williams. Departed were running backs coach Cadillac Williams and defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge. Freeze believes the moves provide more comfort for himself and the program moving into Year Two.

But despite the confidence, Freeze is still preaching patience.

“I do believe, and I’ve said this to everybody, we have to be a little patient,” Freeze said. “This is a day and time not many people want to be patient and that’s OK. I do think to build it the right way to last is the way we’re doing it. We’re recruiting at a high level. It’s ever-changing, every single day. I see the fruits of that.”

Auburn finished with the No. 8 recruiting class per the On3Sports industry rankings, good for fifth in the SEC behind Georgia, Alabama, Texas and LSU. The Tigers are currently No. 12 in the 2025 team rankings, but Freeze is adamant they won’t be outside the Top 10 for much longer.

“I don’t know where we are. I’m confident that we’re going to recruit very, very well,” Freeze said. “It ebbs and flows with commitments and recommitments, all that is never final. I’ve spoken it and told y’all that. I do believe we’re going to be really close to a Top 5 class when it’s all said and done.”

Most pundits and oddsmakers have placed Auburn’s over/under season win total at 7.5, with some prognosticators like On3Sports’ JD Pickell thinking Auburn could be one of the surprise teams in the SEC.

“I think social media is having a little bit too much fun with Auburn and what happened last year with the New Mexico State loss, that they barely won six games, and all that,” Pickell said on the Paul Finebaum Show.

“I’m looking at the rest of what happened this past season? Should’ve beat Alabama, they take Georgia to the final drive,” recalled Pickell. “Like, if both of those games – and if is a major variable here. But if both of those games go a different direction? Like, how are we talking about Huge Freeze and his roster this coming season?”

Freeze seems to fully understands the dynamics at play and expects his team to show marked improvement this fall.

“I feel comfortable at Auburn. We fit there. My family fits there. I’m excited about year two,” Freeze said. “I have no clue what that means in the win-loss column, I really don’t, but the reasonable expectation is for you to see a competitive football team. We plan to deliver on that.”

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