Freeze’s expectations for his team heading into the 2025 season shouldn’t be considered a tall task. Auburn finished last season just one game short of bowl eligibility, with a 5-7 record. Despite its final standing, Freeze highlighted the narrow margin that kept his team out of bowl season last year.
“We could’ve won some games last year…we got to find a way to make sure we are excellent in those areas that cost us —those that put us in a position to be bowl eligible, if not more,” Freeze said.
Freeze’s comments are understandable. The Tigers experienced some tough luck last season. Five of their seven losses were by 10 points or fewer, and closing out tight contests will be a key factor in flipping the script and getting on the right side of the win column.
Auburn will need to hit the ground running. Its season opener is on the road against the Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas. After that, the Tigers will enjoy a brief homestand against Ball State and in-state opponent South Alabama before travelling to Norman to take on the Oklahoma Sooners to start conference play.
In a pivotal year like this one, Auburn will also have the valuable opportunity to host rivals Georgia and Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium, giving the Tigers a potential boost in their quest for bowl eligibility.
The Tigers’ new-look offense will be another crucial factor. Transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Eric Singleton are expected to make an immediate impact. The goal this season will be to alleviate as much pressure as possible off Arnold. Singleton’s talent and experience, paired with rising stars Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons, should give Auburn a dynamic receiving core and equip Arnold with the tools to succeed.
Defensively, the Tigers will return several key contributors following a promising season last year. If Auburn wants to come out on top in close matchups, forcing turnovers will need to be a point of emphasis. Last season, the defense forced 13 turnovers, putting it near the bottom of the SEC.
On the opposite side of the ball, the offense will need to take better care of the football. The Tigers’ 22 offensive turnovers were the third highest in the SEC and contributed to their -9 turnover margin, the lowest in the conference.
Cleaning up this area of their game should help the Tigers get into more favorable outcomes and place bowl season and beyond within their reach.
