The Auburn Tigers enter the 2025 college football season with renewed optimism under third-year head coach Hugh Freeze. After a 5–7 finish in 2024, the Tigers have made strategic changes in coaching and player personnel, aiming to reestablish themselves as contenders in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Coaching Staff
Hugh Freeze continues to lead the program, bringing stability and a focus on rebuilding. Offensive Coordinator Derrick Nix returns for his second year, working to enhance the Tigers’ offensive production. Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin also enters his second season, aiming to solidify a defense that showed potential but lacked consistency in 2024.
Offense
Quarterback
The quarterback position is a focal point for Auburn in 2025. Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold brings experience and dual-threat capabilities. He is expected to compete with freshman Deuce Knight and sophomore John Colvin, a highly touted five-star recruit who flipped his commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn. Knight’s athleticism and arm strength make him a promising prospect for the Tigers’ future.
Running Backs
The backfield features a mix of experience and new talent. Damari Alston returns as the leading rusher, providing stability and leadership. He is joined by sophomore Jeremiah Cobb and freshman J’Marion Burnette, both of whom are expected to contribute significantly to the ground game.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
Auburn’s receiving corps has been bolstered by the addition of transfers and incoming freshmen. Key returners include Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson who bring experience and playmaking ability. The tight end position is anchored by Brandon Frazier and Maryland transfer Preston Howard, both of whom are reliable targets in the passing game
Offensive Line
The offensive line, a point of concern in previous seasons, has been reinforced through recruiting and development. Veteran linemen such as Tate Johnson and Jeremiah Wright provide experience, while younger players like Dylan Wade are expected to step into more prominent roles.
️ Defense
Defensive Line
The defensive front is led by senior Dallas Walker IV, who brings leadership and pass-rushing ability. He is complemented by linemen such as Zykeivous Walker and Keldric Faulk, who add depth and strength to the interior.
Linebackers
The linebacker unit is anchored by senior Robert Woodyard Jr. and junior Coleman Granberry, both of whom have significant playing experience. They are expected to mentor younger players and maintain the defense’s integrity against both the run and pass.
Secondary
Auburn’s secondary features a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers. Cornerbacks Champ Anthony and Kayin Lee return to provide coverage skills and veteran presence. Safeties Antwon Fegans Jr. and Jahquez Robinson are expected to patrol the deep field effectively.
Special Teams
Special teams play a crucial role in Auburn’s overall performance. Kicker Alex McPherson returns after a solid 2024 season, providing reliability in field goal situations. Punter Hudson Kaak also returns, offering consistency in the punting game. The return game is expected to be handled by versatile players like Malcolm Simmons.
2025 Auburn Schedule
Auburn’s 2025 schedule is challenging, featuring several high-profile matchups:
- Aug 29: at Baylor
- Sep 6: vs. Ball State
- Sep 13: vs. South Alabama
- Sep 20: at Oklahoma
- Sep 27: at Texas A&M
- Oct 11: vs. Georgia
- Oct 18: vs. Missouri
- Oct 25: at Arkansas
- Nov 1: vs. Kentucky
- Nov 8: at Vanderbilt
- Nov 15: bye
- Nov 22: vs. Mercer
- Nov 29: vs. Alabama
This schedule includes significant non-conference games and a rigorous SEC slate, providing numerous opportunities for the Tigers to prove themselves.
Outlook
The 2025 season represents a critical juncture for the Auburn Tigers. With a restructured coaching staff and a roster infused with new talent, the team aims to rebound from recent struggles. Success will depend on the rapid development of key positions, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line. The defense must coalesce quickly to handle the demanding schedule. If the Tigers can navigate these challenges, a return to bowl eligibility is within reach.
Predicting Auburn’s 2025 Season
Aug. 30 Auburn 17, Baylor 34
Sept. 6 Ball State, 17 Auburn 32
Sept. 13 South Alabama, 3 Auburn 23
Sept. 20 Auburn 27, Oklahoma 34
Sept. 27 Auburn 28, Texas A&M 17
Oct. 11 Georgia 35, Auburn 21
Oct. 18 Missouri 20, Auburn 38
Oct. 25 Auburn 25, Arkansas 18
Nov. 1 Kentucky 29, Auburn 30
Nov. 8 Auburn 31, Vanderbilt 42
Nov. 22 Mercer 12, Auburn 35
Nov. 29 Alabama 34, Auburn 30
7-5
Quoting Hugh Freeze
Question: What’s the momentum of the program feeling?
Auburn, you know, it’s one of the best jobs in the country and our roster looks better and you know there’s a lot of games that you point to you know. Last year that could have gone the other way in our favor, and you know that’s a reasonable expectation that none of us should run from is for us to some of those start going our way you know and yeah, we had to you know redo a roster and all of that But here we are in year three the roster is good enough to win football games. So, you can’t run from that.
There is a certain, you know, benchmark that you know maybe I’m not I don’t get into that I mean you never know Injuries and the way the ball bounces and all of that but there should be improvement made. Us being able to be better in those critical situations that cost us some games last year, and heck, this league’s hard as you know. And so, there’s no that’s why you don’t put a benchmark on yourself is you have no idea what’s going to go on at every one of these programs and even the health of your own team and stuff but I don’t put benchmarks on it but we should be in every game and hopefully some go our way. When you’re in the community what do you hear from people what do what do people tell you I think they’re optimistic.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze speaks to media at SEC Meetings on May 27, 2025.
