The past few years have been rough for Auburn football. The Bryan Harsin era felt like a steady decline, but the hiring of Hugh Freeze after the 2022 season brought renewed optimism.
Given the rebuilding nature of the program, expectations for the 2023 season were modest. Freeze’s debut team managed six wins and reached a bowl game, which sparked hope for progress in his second year. However, despite stronger recruiting and a more talented roster, the Tigers regressed.
Auburn ended the 2024 season with just five wins, missing out on a bowl game and leaving fans deeply frustrated. The team often self-destructed in key moments, blowing leads and making costly mistakes.
Now in Freeze’s third year, the pressure is mounting to end Auburn’s streak of four consecutive losing seasons. Still, Justin Ferguson of the Auburn Observer urges fans to temper their expectations, especially after such a disappointing 2024.
“No one should realistically expect Auburn to compete for an SEC title this year,” Ferguson wrote. “The Tigers just aren’t there yet, and their priority should be simply getting back above .500.”
Ferguson also noted that last season should have been better. Freeze has admitted the team underperformed, particularly after the Iron Bowl, and that more was possible given their roster.
With any luck, Auburn’s results will finally start matching its talent in the season ahead.
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