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Hugh Freeze addresses closing the talent gap, Auburn's QB battle and more at Regions Tradition

Justin Hokansonby:Justin Hokanson•05/14/25•

_JHokanson

Hugh Freeze (Photo by USA Today)
Hugh Freeze (Photo by USA Today)

Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze spoke to reporters before teeing off at the Regions Tradition golf tournament in Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday morning.

Here are the high points of what Freeze had to say courtesy of video by AL.com.

Is Auburn done in the spring transfer portal?

“I think so. I don’t know of a single thing that interests us in it, so I think we are.”

Freeze has often pointed to a lack of talent as why Auburn hasn’t been able to compete consistently during his first two seasons. How does Freeze think the talent stacks up now, specifically in the SEC?

“That’s a great question. I want to be very clear. I thought it would take three full recruiting classes to get an elite roster. We’ve had two Top 10 classes in our two years. There is reason for optimism that we should be able to compete. Now having said that, we had chances to win games last year, too. The year before, too. You can’t run from that and I’ve studied it in depth.

“Critical downs, turnovers and our kicking game that, we could have had four more wins last year even with the talent gap. You add more talent, hopefully better play at certain positions. That gives me reason for more optimism. We have to coach them well and be excellent on critical downs and situations, but there is reason for optimism.”

Jackson Arnold was QB1 all throughout spring camp and remained there when camp ended. Freeze acknowledges Arnold is in line to start, but doesn’t want the Oklahoma transfer getting too comfortable.

“Jackson is number one. Do I want him to be pushed by Deuce (Knight) and Ashton (Daniels) every single day? Absolutely. Honestly, I think we have one of the better QB rooms in the SEC. We haven’t proven it yet, but you stack those three guys in there and you have an argument you have three pretty good dudes. Do I want Jackson feeling like it’s his and him getting that confidence and swagger? Yes. Do I want him looking over his shoulder, thinking Deuce and Ashton had two really good practices? Yes. I want both.”

Are there any injuries that kept players out in the spring that might linger into the fall?

“I think everybody will be good.”

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