Auburn Kicking Competition 'Undecided,' Per HC Hugh Freeze

McGough, one of two primary kickers for Auburn last season while McPherson was out with an illness, went 5-for-13 on field goals last season with a 0-for-5 mark on kicks from at least 40 yards out. He is also 0-for-1 on field goal tries this season.

Despite his injury, Freeze said he is an active participant in the competition.

“I think he’ll be ok this week. He was moving around pretty decent this morning," Freeze said Monday. "His foot caught the turf and it kind of tweaked his ankle. But I think he’ll be ok.”

Meanwhile, Gibbs went 10-for-13 on field goals last season at Southern Miss with a 6-for-9 mark on kicks from at least 40 yards out and a career-long of 59 yards. He has yet to attempt a kick through two games at Auburn this season.

Tuesday's competition appeared to be neck-and-neck, according to the Montgomery Advertiser's Adam Cole, with both McGough and Gibbs missing multiple kicks from at least 50 yards out.

However, Gibbs' history at kicking from long distance may give him the edge.

Meanwhile, McPherson has been limited to just extra points and short field goals this season after missing most of 2024 due to a bout of ulcerative colitis. He is only 1-for-1 on field goals this year, a 21-yarder in the win over Baylor.

Prior to the season's start, special teams coordinator Chad Lunsford said the trio were in a tight battle.

"Hard to say who’s probably in the lead right now, but I would say Alex and Towns have probably put themselves in position," he said. "If we need to play three guys, we’ll play three guys. If we need to play two guys, we’ll play two guys.”

Kickoff between No. 24 Auburn and South Alabama is at 11:45 a.m. CT with television coverage on SEC Network.

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