For the first two years of his time leading Auburn football, Head Coach Hugh Freeze has worked to temper the expectations of the fanbase. Following the disappointing Bryan Harsin era, fans were hungry for success again, especially with strong recruiting classes fueling hope for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Despite his efforts, Freeze’s attempts to manage expectations weren’t always successful—particularly after Auburn opened the past two seasons with blowout wins against FCS opponents. In 2023, the Tigers cruised past UMass and Samford in their first few games. In 2024, they steamrolled Alabama A&M and took control against New Mexico.
This year, however, Auburn is taking a different approach. Instead of starting the season against an FCS team, the Tigers will open with a Friday night matchup on August 29 against a strong Baylor squad. For Freeze, the chance to face tough competition from the outset is a motivating factor.
“I prefer having the FCS game later in the year,” Freeze told Auburn Undercover. “Opening the season against another Power Four team gets everyone locked in. No one should be coasting through fall camp—there’s real urgency. It’s going to be a challenge right away: the Texas heat, and no doubt a lively Friday night atmosphere.”
Freeze also welcomed the shift from a Saturday to a Friday kickoff, a change announced by both schools in March.
“I’ll take a Thursday or Friday game any time,” Freeze said. “It’s great to have that extra rest and recovery time afterward. The season is long and grueling, so I love the idea. I appreciate our administration making it happen.”
While the exact kickoff time has yet to be finalized, Auburn’s season opener is set for Friday, August 29, in Waco, Texas.