Hugh Freeze Shares Update Since Cancer Diagnosis

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 4:15 PM ET

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze was diagnosed with cancer in February.

Freeze has prostate cancer, which was detected early, and doctors advised the head coach that it is treatable and curable.

The head coach sat down with ESPN's Chris Low on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming season and offered updates on the cancer. Freeze stated that he was at peace with the cancer.

Freeze enters his third season as Auburn's head coach in 2025. The Tigers finished the year at 5-7 after losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the "Iron Bowl" to end the regular season.

Freeze has also had head coaching roles with Liberty (2019-22), the Ole Miss Rebels (2012-16) and Arkansas State (2011).

"At the time, the only thing you hear is that 'C' word," Freeze said. "I'm only 55. We're a family of faith, and I just didn't feel like it was time to rush into surgery," Freeze said. "I'm at peace with it."

Auburn and Freeze had some roster turnover this offseason. The Tigers lost players like defensive back Antonio Kite, quarterback Walker White and receiver Caleb Burton.

The program's top transfer additions were quarterback Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma), linebacker Xavier Atkins (LSU), receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (Georgia Tech) and offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin (Virginia Tech).

Quarterback Payton Thorne, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, linebacker Eugene Asante, running back Jarquez Hunter and receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

On top of the transfer losses and additions, Auburn also returns players like receivers Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons and Perry Thompson. Coleman was a former five-star prospect and finished second on the team with 598 receiving yards.

Auburn opens the 2025 season against the Baylor Bears on Aug. 30.

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

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