Hugh Freeze Fires Back at Golf Criticism Amid Auburn’s Recruiting Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 4:12 PM ET

The Hugh Freeze-led Auburn Tigers currently hold the country’s 78th-ranked 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

The group of commits is composed of four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris, four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone, three-star linebacker Adam Balogoun-Ali, three-star offensive tackle Nikau Hepi and three-star offensive lineman Parker Pritchett.

However, the Tigers lost out on four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett (decommitted), four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle (Georgia Bulldogs) and four-star wide receiver Devin Carter (Florida State). Furthermore, the losses have come as fans have criticized Freeze for playing golf while away from the school.

Some believe that this is an issue because it shows a lack of commitment to the program. However, Freeze responded to the critics on Tuesday.

“I haven’t had to defend it,” Freeze said. “It’s something I enjoy doing. It doesn’t take away from my time working to get Auburn back to the top of the college football world.”

Auburn's Hugh Freeze asked about his love for golf: "I haven't had to defend it. It's something I enjoy doing. It doesn't take away from my time working to get Auburn back to the top of the college football world"
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 15, 2025

As of Tuesday, Auburn has been working on adding depth to the offensive and defensive lines while also adding a veteran quarterback. They are looking into bringing in five-star recruits such as Zion Elee (committed to Maryland), Jireh Edwards (committed to Alabama), Bralan Womack (yet to commit) and Cederian Morgan (not committed at the moment).

Meanwhile, the Tigers are predicted to finish 11th in the SEC this season and face the Kansas Jayhawks in the Liberty Bowl, according to Athlon Sports’ annual preview magazine. Auburn is predicted to have a better record than SEC rivals Missouri, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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