Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is running out of time to turn things around. With an 11-14 record to start his tenure, it’s widely understood that 2025 could be a make-or-break season for the Oxford, Mississippi native—especially if the Tigers don’t finish with a winning record.
SI’s Terrance Biggs identified Auburn’s Week 4 trip to Oklahoma as a potential turning point in Freeze’s tenure.
“No Auburn coach in the past 50 years has survived a third season after posting losing records in the first two,” Biggs noted. “Freeze has lasted this long partly due to the belief that he inherited a depleted roster. On paper, he’s restocked it.”
But now, Freeze must deliver results. There’s no talk of extensions or bonuses—just a clear directive to win in 2025. The September 20th matchup against Oklahoma marks Auburn’s SEC opener and could be the game that determines whether Freeze remains the Tigers’ head coach.
Losing in Week 1 to Baylor would only raise the stakes further. Not only would it sting to lose to a team led by Walker White—who transferred after claiming Auburn lacked a clear quarterback plan—but it would also make the Oklahoma game feel like a must-win.
While a 2-2 start isn’t fatal in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff era, Freeze has built some goodwill through strong recruiting and solid finishes to each of his first two seasons. That might buy him some patience.
There’s also a sense that Auburn’s leadership could still give Freeze more time, recognizing the lasting damage left by former coach Bryan Harsin. Winning might not be the only thing that keeps him employed in 2026.
Still, pressure is mounting. If Freeze falters, speculation about potential replacements will heat up. Deion Sanders, though unlikely, may re-enter conversations if Colorado hesitates to meet his demands. Charles Kelly could be another option if he impresses in his first year as Jacksonville State’s head coach.
If Freeze doesn’t win, Auburn fans will inevitably start dreaming of someone who can. Whether he gets the chance to prove he’s that person might be decided as early as Week 4.