AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 02 - Auburn flag runners during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by David Gray/Auburn Tigers

Auburn

2025 Record: 5-7. 2-6 (SEC)

2025 Prediction: 7-5, 4-4 (SEC)

Overview:

Things are looking… okay this offseason. Apparently Hugh Freeze is more concerned about playing golf. This roster is actually really talented, probably one of the more talented ones the Tigers have seen the past few years. It’s just.. It’s Auburn. You could throw me a random record and I could probably see it going 1000 different ways. They have the talent to pull off some upsets, including their toughest tests at home.

Offense: 

Jackson Arnold replaces Payton Thorne. At wideout, if he can’t throw to Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton Jr., or Perry Thompson, I don’t know what to say. The backfield has some major shoes to fill after losing Jarquez Hunter, having Damari Alston replace him. Offensive line wise, Dillon Wade and Connor Lew head up a line that has some transfer experience. All that has to happen is the line protects, and Jackson Arnold can find one of his All American wide receivers to pick up some yardage.

Defense: 

The defensive line is the strength. Keldrick Faulk was amazing in his freshman campaign, and Bobby Jamison-Travis will help anchor the group. Demarcus Riddick is a promising young buck, and Kayin Lee and James Crawford will help the secondary. Adding the MAC defensive back of the year in Raion Strader will help as well. There is some youth and experience that should make a formidable defense.

LEXINGTON, KY - October 26, 2024 - Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze and Auburn Quarterback Payton Thorne (#1) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY. Photo By Austin Perryman
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Special Teams: 

Hudson Kaak should be the punter, with Alex Mcpherson kicking. Jeremiah Cobb will return kicks, and Eric Singleton Jr., who was amazing at Georgia Tech, is a dangerous punt returner.

Final Thoughts:

Final Thoughts: With the way the Tigers have been playing, the fanbase might turnover if they don’t make it through the first few weeks. Jordan Hare is cursed, according to Nick Saban. He had to learn it the hard way. I think that this group is so odd, because someone could give me any record and I could believe it. Regardless, I think there is a lot of pressure, but they should at least make a Bowl Game. If not, the program might melt down.