Paul Finebaum Delivers Blunt Verdict on Hugh Freeze Amid Auburn’s Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The 2025 college football season is crucial for several major coaches. If these coaches experience another poor season, it might be their last at that school.

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze took over the program during a challenging time, as the team had experienced consecutive losing seasons. Unfortunately, Freeze has not improved the situation; he has also led the team to back-to-back losing seasons. This extended the losing streak to four straight seasons, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 1946-1950.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst indicated that while the fan base has been patient with Freeze thus far, he senses that this patience is beginning to wane.

"I thought Auburn fans were in good shape with Hugh Freeze," Finebaum said. "But lately it's felt like all over the map."

If fired without cause, Freeze will be entitled to 75 percent of the remaining value of his contract, with no offset. He signed a six-year deal before the 2023 season, starting at $6.5 million and increasing by $250,000 each year. For this season, he is scheduled to earn $7 million. That would leave his buyout at nearly $17 million after the 2025 season.

According to 247Sports, there is reason for optimism as the Tigers have secured both the No. 8 recruiting class and the No. 8 transfer portal class. Among their valuable additions from the portal are quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr.

In his first season as the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, Arnold passed for 1,421 yards, tossing 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions over the course of 10 games. Meanwhile, Singleton Jr. had a standout season for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, racking up 754 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, he was ranked among the top five players in the transfer portal.

Despite Auburn not meeting expectations, Finebaum does not sense increased pressure from the school's athletic department regarding Freeze.

Auburn opens the season at 8 p.m. ET Aug. 29, facing the Baylor Bears on the road.

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

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