Postgame Handshake Between Kirby Smart, Hugh Freeze Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 12:39 AM ET

Kirby Smart and the No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs secured a second straight win on Saturday night, taking down Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers 20-10 in Week 7 of the 2025 college football season. With the win, Georgia now moves to 5-1 on the season and 3-1 in SEC play, while Auburn falls to 3-3 and remains winless in the conference at 0-3.

Gunnar Stockton led the way for the Bulldogs, recording 212 passing yards while adding 26 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Meanwhile, Smart’s defense overwhelmed Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold, who finished with just 137 yards, along with 55 rushing yards, one touchdown and a lost fumble.

And the game didn’t end without controversy, as Smart appeared to clearly call a timeout to avoid a fourth-quarter delay of game. However, after a conversation with the coach, officials ruled that he was only clapping, allowing Georgia to keep the timeout and reset the play clock.

Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold attempts a goal-line push against the Georgia Bulldogs© Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After Georgia’s win over Auburn, Smart and Freeze met at midfield for a postgame handshake. The two shared a brief hug and exchanged a few words before going their separate ways. Freeze proceeded to greet his family and other members of Georgia’s coaching staff, while Smart went to celebrate with the UGA fans who made the trip.

"Hugh Freeze hugs his family after shaking Kirby Smart’s hand following Auburn’s 20-10 loss to Georgia. ," AL.com wrote on X. "Your thoughts on the loss Auburn fans?"

Hugh Freeze hugs his family after shaking Kirby Smart’s hand following Auburn’s 20-10 loss to Georgia.

Your thoughts on the loss Auburn fans? #Auburn pic.twitter.com/m5nm8q4mn4
— Auburn Tigers | AL.com (@aldotcomTigers) October 12, 2025

College football fans also took notice of Smart and Freeze's postgame exchange, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.

"Why does he always look like he’s lost?" one fan asked.

"Hugh said f you pos to Kirby," another claimed.

"Kirby is in that fix. Such a (expletive) thing. Should have not shaken his hand. He doesn’t deserve that respect," wrote a third.

"Shouldn't have shaken his hand," added a fourth.

"Did you call him a liar and a cheat? Because he just showed on national TV he is..." posted a fifth.

"If I’m Freeze, I will not shake smart’s hand," added a sixth.

Up next for Smart and Georgia, a Week 8 battle against the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels in Athens, Georgia. Meanwhile, Freeze and Auburn will remain home for a matchup against the No. 14 Missouri Tigers.

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

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