Freeze went on to note that the program he inherited from predecessor Bryan Harsin was not filled with overwhelming talent after some lean recruiting years and mass defections via the transfer portal. Auburn has not finished with a winning record since going 6-5 in 2020, Gus Malzahn’s final season.

Hugh Freeze has an 11-13 record in two seasons with Auburn. He knows he's under fire entering Year 3. What he said about expectations for the Tigers:

Auburn's 2025 quarterback room, led by transfer Jackson Arnold, is expected to be among the SEC's best. Head Coach Hugh Freeze praised Arnold's arm strength, leadership, and humility. Freeze expects Arnold's performance to elevate the team's offensive statistics.