Auburn's talent is 'astronomically better' in 2023

Hugh Freeze has the Auburn Tigers on a one-way track to success. The fuel behind the program’s forward movement is improved talent.

“The first thing we got to talk about is what Hugh Freeze did through the portal was awesome. He just saw the portal and took what he wanted. They have a top-five portal class right now,” On3’s own JD PicKell said. “They took 20 transfers. Props to Hugh Freeze. That’s what good bosses do when they take over a failing company. They bring in the personnel to help that company succeed.”

Hugh Freeze is heating up Auburn

Freeze certainly brought in some new personnel. Entering his first season as head coach at Auburn, Freeze wasted no time improving the program. The Tigers added five former four-star recruits while losing none.

The impressive Auburn transfer class is headlined by former Kentucky defensive lineman Justin Rogers. The 6-foot-3 talent was the No. 44 player in the Class of 2020 and the sixth-best defensive lineman from the group, according to On3 Industry Rankings.

Auburn needs all the help it can get. The Tigers went 5-7 last season while winning just two of their eight games in conference play, a far cry from the standards of the once perennial powerhouse program. PicKell believes the addition of Freeze is a step in the right direction.

The talent is there

“The talent alone at Auburn is astronomically better than what you had a season ago in terms of guys that are going to likely start for you. The quarterback, Payton Thorne, I think gives you a much better jumping-off point. You retooled the defense. Overall, you feel a lot better about the floor of where you’re sitting right now for Auburn.

“With that being said, there are a couple of things that can be true here. One, I think Hugh Freeze and what he brings to Auburn is going to work. He clearly knows how to recruit at the high school level. He clearly knows how to recruit through the transfer portal. He knows the SEC,” PicKell said.

Auburn clearly agrees. The program waited just two days after the season concluded before naming Freeze the 31st head football coach in Auburn’s 129-year history. Freeze brings an excellent resume with him.

What Hugh Freeze brings to the table

The 53-year-old was the head coach at Liberty from 2019-22, steering the Flames to four bowl games and a 34-15 record. Prior to that, Freeze also found success at Lambuth University (2008-09), Arkansas State (2011) and Ole Miss (2012-16).

Auburn fans will soon see if Freeze’s offseason investment pays off. The Tigers will kick off their season on Sept. 2, against UMass in Jordan-Hare Stadium.