According to the 2025 SEC power rankings, Auburn football is ranked higher than Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.
As we enter the 2025 football season, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains one of the most competitive and dominant conferences in all of college football. Known for its powerhouse programs, fierce rivalries, and talent-laden rosters, the SEC continues to produce some of the most entertaining and high-stakes matchups in college football history.
In the most recent SEC Power Rankings for the 2025 season, a surprising trend has emerged—Auburn Football, under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze, has jumped ahead of perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. This shift has caught the attention of fans, analysts, and pundits alike, as Auburn is poised to challenge for supremacy in one of the most difficult conferences in the country.
This article will explore how Auburn has reached this point, the factors contributing to their rise, and the implications of this new positioning in the SEC landscape. Additionally, we’ll delve into the programs they’ve overtaken, particularly Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, and examine whether Auburn’s ranking ahead of these teams is justified heading into the 2025 season.
Auburn’s Resurgence Under Hugh Freeze
The story of Auburn’s rise in the SEC Power Rankings can largely be attributed to the program’s revitalization under head coach Hugh Freeze. Freeze, who took over the Tigers’ program in 2023, has quickly transformed Auburn into a competitive force, putting them on track to challenge the traditional powers of the SEC.
Auburn’s resurgence began with a shift in philosophy—Freeze implemented a high-powered offense combined with a robust defense, creating a balanced team that could compete with the best in the conference. Freeze’s success at his previous stops, particularly at Ole Miss, where he led the Rebels to multiple successful seasons, gave Auburn fans hope that he could bring similar success to the Plains.
One of the key factors in Auburn’s rise has been Freeze’s ability to recruit at a high level. Under his leadership, Auburn has attracted top-tier talent both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Tigers’ offensive line has improved significantly, while their defense has become one of the more formidable units in the SEC.
Freeze’s emphasis on developing both sides of the ball has paid dividends, with Auburn emerging as a more complete and well-rounded team. As the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that Auburn is not only a force in the SEC West but is also positioned to make a serious run at the SEC Championship.
The Key Factors Behind Auburn’s High Ranking
Auburn’s rise in the 2025 SEC Power Rankings is not just due to a few standout players or a single successful season. Instead, several factors have come together to push the Tigers ahead of other traditional SEC powerhouses.
1. Elite Quarterback Play
One of the most critical areas where Auburn has excelled is in the development of their quarterback position. For years, Auburn had struggled to find consistent quarterback play, which often held them back from competing at the highest level in the SEC. However, that all changed when Freeze brought in a talented quarterback room.
In 2025, Auburn’s starting quarterback, Robbie Ashford, has matured into one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. His athleticism and ability to extend plays with his legs have made him a dual-threat weapon. Ashford’s development as a passer, however, has been just as impressive. He has become more accurate and more confident in the pocket, helping Auburn’s offense become more dynamic and difficult to defend.
Additionally, Auburn’s depth at quarterback has allowed the coaching staff to implement multiple offensive schemes, keeping opposing defenses on their toes. The presence of an elite quarterback has given Auburn a significant advantage over many of their rivals, including Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.
2. Dominant Defense
While Auburn’s offense has undoubtedly improved under Freeze, it’s their defense that has set them apart in the 2025 rankings. Auburn’s defense has been one of the most consistent units in the SEC, ranking near the top in several key categories, including total defense, scoring defense, and third-down efficiency.
Auburn’s defensive line is particularly strong, with Jayson Jones and Colby Wooden anchoring a front seven that can disrupt the quarterback and stifle opposing offenses. The Tigers’ secondary has also improved significantly, with Nehemiah Pritchett and Kormani McClain emerging as two of the best cornerbacks in the conference.
With a defense that can stifle some of the most explosive offenses in college football, Auburn has become a team that can compete at a high level even in games that may not feature a high-scoring affair.
3. Strong Recruiting and Depth
Auburn has been able to build depth across the roster, ensuring that the Tigers can compete with any team in the SEC. Freeze and his staff have worked tirelessly to recruit top-tier talent, particularly in key areas such as the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary. Auburn’s ability to develop young players has also been a key to their success, with many players stepping up in major roles earlier than expected.
The depth that Auburn now boasts is particularly important in the grind of the SEC, where injuries can often derail a season. With strong recruiting classes and an emphasis on developing talent, Auburn has the depth to withstand the rigors of a full SEC schedule.
4. The Changing SEC Landscape
The SEC is in a state of flux heading into the 2025 season, with several programs dealing with coaching changes, roster turnover, and shifting dynamics. Auburn has capitalized on this changing landscape by stabilizing their program under Freeze’s leadership. At the same time, traditional powers like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee are facing challenges that have hindered their rise in the rankings.
For Alabama, the transition from Nick Saban’s era to the future remains a work in progress. Although the Crimson Tide remains a top program, they’ve dealt with some key departures and have faced challenges in maintaining their usual level of dominance. While Alabama is still a force to be reckoned with, Auburn’s rise shows that the Tide’s grip on the SEC may be loosening, at least for now.
Ole Miss, under head coach Lane Kiffin, has also made great strides in recent years, but the Rebels have yet to reach the level of consistent success needed to challenge for an SEC title. Despite the explosive offensive schemes Kiffin employs, Ole Miss continues to struggle with its defense, which has held them back from reaching their full potential.
Similarly, Tennessee, which has seen a resurgence under Josh Heupel, remains a team in transition. The Volunteers have had moments of brilliance but have failed to maintain consistent success at the highest level. As Auburn has strengthened its defense and continued to recruit well, Tennessee’s path to the top of the SEC remains unclear.
The SEC Power Rankings in 2025: Auburn Ahead of Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee
So, where do these changes place Auburn in the SEC Power Rankings for the 2025 season? In a dramatic shift, Auburn has surpassed Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee in the latest rankings, landing firmly in the upper tier of the conference. The Tigers are now viewed as legitimate contenders for an SEC Championship, and their rise in the rankings speaks to their depth, talent, and overall team improvement.
Auburn vs. Alabama
While Alabama remains a premier program, Auburn’s improvements have made them a more well-rounded team in 2025. The Tigers have been able to close the gap in areas like quarterback play, defense, and overall talent depth. Auburn’s ability to compete with Alabama head-to-head is a major factor in their higher ranking, as they are now seen as an equal, if not superior, force in the SEC West.
Auburn vs. Ole Miss
Ole Miss has been a formidable opponent in recent years, but Auburn’s defense and all-around team play have allowed them to surpass the Rebels in the rankings. While Ole Miss remains dangerous offensively, Auburn has a more complete team, particularly on defense, which has proven to be a critical factor in the SEC.
Auburn vs. Tennessee
Tennessee’s resurgence under Josh Heupel has been impressive, but Auburn’s defense and overall consistency have placed them ahead of the Volunteers in the 2025 rankings. Auburn has shown the ability to compete with high-powered offenses like Tennessee’s, and their more balanced roster has put them in a better position heading into the season.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 SEC Season
The 2025 SEC football season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Auburn now positioned among the top teams in the conference, their rise is indicative of the fierce competition that will define the season. As Auburn continues to build momentum, they will likely be a team to watch, especially as they challenge traditional powerhouses for SEC supremacy.
In conclusion, Auburn’s rise in the 2025 SEC Power Rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Hugh Freeze and his staff. The Tigers have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders, surpassing teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. With a balanced roster, elite quarterback play, and a dominant defense, Auburn is poised for a breakout season that could see them rise to the top of the SEC once again.
