Auburn football faces critical questions heading into the 2025 season: quarterback play, offensive line stability, and defensive improvements.
As the 2025 college football season looms, Auburn University’s football team finds itself at a crossroads, ready to shape its future under new leadership, with high hopes of returning to the top of the SEC and national prominence. The Auburn Tigers have a rich football tradition, with numerous successful seasons and passionate fan support, but recent years have been marked by inconsistency and underperformance. Heading into 2025, Auburn’s coaching staff, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, will have to address several pressing concerns to position the Tigers for success.
Among the most important questions surrounding Auburn football heading into the 2025 season are: quarterback play, offensive line stability, and defensive improvements. Each of these areas is critical to the success of the team and will play a major role in determining whether Auburn can contend in the competitive SEC and beyond.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into each of these three big questions, exploring why they matter, how they impact the Tigers’ chances, and what Auburn needs to do to address them before the 2025 season kicks off.
1. Who Will Be Auburn’s Quarterback?
Perhaps no question looms larger than the identity of Auburn’s starting quarterback heading into 2025. Quarterback play is crucial to any football team’s success, and Auburn has been searching for consistent, elite-level play at the position for several years. Since the departure of former standout quarterback Jarrett Stidham, Auburn has had a revolving door of quarterbacks, with limited success from several different players. As of 2025, finding the right signal-caller will be one of the defining storylines of the Tigers’ season.
Current State of Auburn’s Quarterback Situation
Auburn’s quarterback room has seen some turnover in recent seasons. In 2024, the Tigers had a mix of experienced players and incoming talent, but neither player fully seized the starting job. The uncertainty surrounding the position hindered the team’s offensive rhythm and ability to execute the game plan effectively.
Heading into the 2025 season, Auburn returns some talented quarterbacks who will battle for the starting job. Players like Robbie Ashford, who has shown flashes of potential but has yet to demonstrate consistent accuracy or decision-making, will be key competitors for the role. Ashford’s mobility is one of his greatest assets, but his struggles with passing efficiency have limited his potential as a top-tier SEC quarterback.
On the other hand, the Tigers have brought in some highly touted recruits and transfers, such as Haynes King from Texas A&M, who has experience in the SEC and could provide stability under center. King’s strong arm and experience in big games could make him a solid option, but he, too, will need to prove that he can consistently deliver as a starting quarterback in the SEC.
The competition at quarterback will be fierce, and Freeze will have to carefully evaluate the options during spring and fall practices to determine who will give Auburn the best chance for success in 2025. Whether it’s Ashford, King, or another player who steps up, the question remains: Can Auburn find a quarterback who can lead the team to victory in crucial SEC matchups and beyond?
What Does Auburn Need from Its Quarterback?
Regardless of who earns the starting role, Auburn will need consistent and effective quarterback play in 2025. Freeze’s offense thrives when the quarterback is able to make quick reads, distribute the ball efficiently, and occasionally make plays with their legs when necessary. The quarterback must be able to handle the pressure of SEC defenses, read complex coverages, and make the right decisions under duress.
Additionally, the quarterback will be expected to manage the game, control the tempo of Auburn’s offense, and limit turnovers. One of Auburn’s biggest issues in recent years has been inconsistent quarterback play, which has led to turnover problems and stalled offensive drives. To compete in the SEC, the Tigers will need a quarterback who can not only keep the offense moving but also make critical plays in clutch situations.
2. Can Auburn’s Offensive Line Hold Up?
The offensive line is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of a football team’s success. Auburn’s offensive line has been a source of frustration in recent seasons, and for the Tigers to succeed in 2025, this group will need to improve significantly. The offensive line is responsible for protecting the quarterback, establishing a strong running game, and providing time for playmakers to get open. Without solid offensive line play, a team is destined to struggle, no matter how talented the skill positions may be.
Current State of Auburn’s Offensive Line
Auburn’s offensive line has been inconsistent in recent years, failing to provide the necessary protection for quarterbacks and running backs alike. In 2024, the Tigers’ offensive line struggled against strong SEC defensive fronts, which put added pressure on the offense and contributed to the team’s inability to sustain drives or score points consistently.
In the 2025 season, Auburn will need to rely on a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented young players to form a cohesive and effective offensive line. The Tigers will return several players who have seen significant playing time, including Brandon Council and Austin Troxell, but there will also be a need for new faces to step up. The development of young players, as well as the integration of new recruits, will be crucial for the Tigers’ success.
Freeze and his staff have emphasized the importance of the offensive line in building a competitive team. Freeze’s offense relies on a balanced attack that features a dynamic rushing game to complement the passing game. For Auburn to implement this philosophy successfully, the offensive line must be able to control the line of scrimmage and open up holes for running backs while also providing adequate protection for the quarterback.
What Auburn Needs from Its Offensive Line in 2025
To compete at a high level in the SEC, Auburn’s offensive line must be able to handle the strength and speed of some of the country’s best defensive linemen. The Tigers will need to improve their pass protection, particularly in crucial situations, and create running lanes for Auburn’s stable of talented running backs. The offensive line will also need to develop better communication and chemistry to ensure smooth execution of offensive plays.
In addition to the physical aspects, the offensive line must also focus on mental toughness and discipline. Securing positive yardage on first and second downs will be critical, as Auburn needs to avoid being in long third-down situations where the opposing defense can tee off on the quarterback. Consistent play from the offensive line will be a key factor in the Tigers’ ability to control the tempo of games and compete for a spot in the upper echelons of the SEC.
3. How Will Auburn Improve Its Defense?
Auburn’s defense has long been a strength of the program, but in recent seasons, it has shown signs of vulnerability. To compete for championships in the SEC, the Tigers must have a stout defense capable of stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, and defending against explosive passing attacks. Hugh Freeze is inheriting a talented defensive group, but significant improvements will be necessary to return Auburn to its former defensive dominance.
Current State of Auburn’s Defense
In 2024, Auburn’s defense showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. The Tigers’ defensive line struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary had its share of coverage breakdowns. Additionally, Auburn’s defense had issues with stopping the run at times, especially against physical SEC teams.
Heading into 2025, Auburn’s defense will return several key players, including Derick Hall and Colby Wooden, who have shown the ability to disrupt offenses in the past. However, there will also be holes to fill in the secondary and at linebacker. Freeze will need to assess his roster and find players who can step up and deliver when needed.
The defensive coaching staff, led by a new defensive coordinator, will also play a significant role in shaping the unit. Freeze’s defensive philosophy will need to balance aggression with discipline, ensuring the defense can both stop the run and put pressure on the opposing quarterback without giving up big plays.
What Auburn Needs from Its Defense in 2025
Auburn’s defense will need to improve its pass rush, especially against mobile quarterbacks and high-powered passing offenses that dominate the SEC. Defensive line depth and consistent pressure on the quarterback will be essential to the team’s success. Auburn’s secondary will need to improve its coverage skills and limit big plays, which have been a recurring issue in recent seasons.
Additionally, Auburn must improve its ability to stop the run, particularly against physical teams in the SEC. Teams like Alabama and Georgia are known for their strong rushing attacks, and Auburn will need to develop a stout defensive front capable of containing these offenses.
