Paul Finebaum is optimistic about Auburn football’s prospects in 2025, particularly under head coach Hugh Freeze, who has significantly retooled the roster through the transfer portal. The most notable addition is former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, a move Finebaum believes could provide the spark Auburn needs.
Finebaum is especially impressed with Freeze’s success in recruiting Alabama’s top talent, securing commitments from eight of the top 10 in-state prospects.
“I’m also strangely bullish – and I don’t think it’s strange, but every time I bring this up to somebody, they shoot me down. But I like what I see from Auburn,” Finebaum said, via On3. “I think they went out and landed a quarterback that I think can help them, even though he maybe didn’t do much for Oklahoma.”
Despite his optimism, Finebaum acknowledges Auburn’s recent struggles, including a disappointing 5-7 finish in 2024. However, he sees momentum building.
“Now, he still faces a critical season. I’m not washing that away. And it really doesn’t matter and it won’t matter if he doesn’t have a big year, but I do like the momentum there,” Finebaum added.
Auburn’s success under Freeze thus far has been evident, though the program has yet to prove it can win critical road games. Fortunately, two of the most pivotal matchups of the 2025 season, against Georgia in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry and the Iron Bowl against Alabama, will take place at Jordan-Hare Stadium. With Georgia showing defensive vulnerability and Alabama facing uncertainty under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Auburn has a rare opportunity to capitalize.
Even if Auburn loses to both Georgia and Alabama, there remains a path to the College Football Playoff, especially if the Tigers can emulate Tennessee’s recent resurgence. For a program that has struggled recently, even a 7-5 or 8-4 season would reignite optimism.
Freeze’s approach—bolstered by the maturation of two strong recruiting classes and the No. 6-ranked recruiting class in the country—has inspired belief among Auburn fans. With a new quarterback, an improved roster, and renewed energy, many are hopeful that 2025 marks a turning point for the Tigers.
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