Evaluating why Auburn is trending in the right direction under Hugh Freeze

In head coach Hugh Freeze‘s debut campaign at Auburn last season, he led the Tigers to a 6-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in conference play. On Tuesday, On3’s JD PicKell explained why he believes Auburn will only continue to improve under Freeze.

“It’s great to talk about what they’re going to be on signing day or what they are right now, but think about the future for Auburn,” PicKell said. “Hugh Freeze has gotten the arrow pointing up for Auburn football. The trajectory of Auburn football is in a really good place. He’s been there for what — 18 months? Less than two years? What’s it going to be in three years, especially if they have on-field success?

“If you’re able to flip it that quickly and capture momentum that quickly, that should scare the rest of college football for what Auburn can be going forward now. Because they’re what two years removed, a year removed from 5-7. And we’re already talking about them signing a top-10 — dare I say — potentially top-five class if they do the right things on the field in 2024. So keep an eye on the Tigers now.”

Auburn currently boasts the No. 6 class in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to On3 Industry Rankings. The group is headlined by four-star prospects Derick Smith, Anquon Fegans and Eric Winters. With room still to grow, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class has 21 total commits.

Although it’s early, Auburn also already possesses the No. 1 class in the 2026 recruiting cycle, with five four-star commits. Freeze put an emphasis on recruiting from the moment he stepped on campus and it’s already paying dividends.

Freeze’s recruiting prowess isn’t limited to the high school ranks. Auburn reeled in 15 players via the transfer portal this offseason, earning the No. 12 spot in On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings.

With 65% of its production also returning from last season, Auburn is ready to take a step forward in Freeze’s second season at the helm.

“They have the resources, they have the brand, they have the alignment, they have the head coach, they have the staff and I think a really fun brand of football to play that could ultimately be a major powder keg for them, if they end up having success on the field in 2024,” PicKell said. “Auburn [is] recruiting like a program. Keep tabs on the Tigers, man. They’re gonna be a force.”