Auburn is said to have one of the best quarterback battles in college football.

Auburn’s quarterback battle has become one of the most intriguing storylines in college football heading into the 2025 season. As the Tigers look to bounce back from a challenging stretch in their program’s history, the quarterback position looms large in determining their success. With multiple talented players vying for the starting role, Auburn has positioned itself as one of the most closely-watched teams in the country in terms of quarterback play. While some programs enter the season with a clear starter, Auburn’s competition is open and fierce, and it has become one of the best quarterback battles in college football.

This intense battle for the starting role has the potential to shape Auburn’s season in significant ways. The importance of the quarterback position cannot be overstated. Quarterbacks are often the face of the team, responsible for directing the offense, making split-second decisions, and leading their team to victory. In Auburn’s case, the quarterback position has the potential to be a game-changer for the program’s trajectory. But which player will ultimately emerge victorious? And what does this competition tell us about Auburn’s future as a football program?

The Importance of the Quarterback Position at Auburn

Auburn football has a storied history, with several legendary quarterbacks in its past. From Pat Sullivan, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1971, to more recent stars like Cam Newton, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2010, Auburn has long been a program that relies on strong quarterback play to achieve success. The quarterback has always been a critical position for the Tigers, and entering the 2025 season, that fact hasn’t changed.

In today’s college football landscape, the quarterback is often the difference between a team that contends for championships and one that merely competes for bowl games. For Auburn, a program in the midst of a rebuilding phase under head coach Hugh Freeze, having a solid and consistent quarterback is essential. The quarterback battle at Auburn has the potential to shape not only the outcome of individual games but also the overall success of the program in the coming years.

With Freeze, a coach known for his offensive prowess, at the helm, Auburn’s offensive system is poised to take a step forward. Freeze has a history of developing quarterbacks and creating high-powered offenses, and the team’s future success will likely depend on how well he can identify and develop his next signal-caller. Given the pressure to revive the program, Freeze’s decision regarding the starting quarterback will be crucial.

The Candidates: A Diverse Group of Talented Quarterbacks

Auburn’s quarterback competition is far from a one-player race. The Tigers have several talented options, each with their own unique skill sets and strengths. Let’s take a closer look at the key candidates competing for the starting role:

1. TJ Finley (Senior)

TJ Finley, a seasoned veteran who transferred to Auburn in 2021, has already seen significant playing time in the SEC. Finley’s experience is one of the most valuable assets in this quarterback battle. Although his time as a starter has been somewhat inconsistent, Finley has the physical tools that make him a viable candidate for the job. Standing at 6’7” and possessing a strong arm, Finley can make throws that few other quarterbacks can. However, his development as a complete quarterback has been a work in progress.

One of Finley’s strengths is his ability to make deep throws and stretch the defense vertically. This ability to push the ball downfield could be crucial in Freeze’s offensive system, which relies on explosive plays. Finley also has experience in big SEC games, which could give him an edge in terms of leadership and poise under pressure.

However, Finley’s inconsistencies as a passer, particularly with his accuracy and decision-making, have caused some to question his ability to take over as the permanent starter. While he has flashed potential, Finley has also shown moments of struggle, particularly with throwing interceptions and making poor decisions in key moments. Whether he can improve upon these issues and earn Freeze’s trust will be one of the major storylines to follow as the competition unfolds.

2. Robbie Ashford (Junior)

Robbie Ashford is another player who has had significant experience at Auburn. The dual-threat quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance with his athleticism and playmaking ability. Ashford has the ability to make plays with his legs, which makes him a dynamic threat in the open field. His ability to extend plays with his legs and pick up first downs on the ground adds an extra dimension to the offense.

In Freeze’s system, which has often utilized mobile quarterbacks who can make plays both in the air and on the ground, Ashford’s skill set could be a perfect fit. His speed and elusiveness could help Auburn’s offense become more versatile and difficult to defend. Ashford’s ability to create with his legs is something that Freeze has excelled with in the past, and Ashford could be a quarterback who thrives under his tutelage.

However, Ashford’s passing ability has been a work in progress. While he’s a talented athlete, his consistency as a passer has been questioned. Ashford has shown the ability to make throws when necessary, but his accuracy and decision-making still need improvement. His mechanics and ability to read defenses have been areas of concern, and if he cannot improve in these areas, it could cost him the starting job.

3. Hank Brown (Freshman)

Hank Brown is a highly touted freshman who arrives at Auburn with a lot of excitement surrounding him. Brown, a former four-star recruit, is known for his strong arm and ability to make all the throws. While he doesn’t have the experience of Finley or Ashford, Brown has the physical tools to be a star quarterback at the collegiate level. His ability to push the ball downfield and fit throws into tight windows makes him an intriguing option in the quarterback battle.

As a freshman, Brown will face the typical challenges of adapting to the speed and complexity of college football. However, his raw talent could give him a legitimate shot at the starting job, especially if he impresses during spring practices and preseason camp. Auburn fans and analysts alike are eager to see how quickly Brown can adjust to the rigors of SEC competition and whether he can unseat the more experienced quarterbacks.

While Brown’s lack of experience might be a disadvantage early on, his potential could make him a player to watch in the quarterback battle. If he impresses Freeze with his development, he could become the future of the Auburn program at quarterback.

The Battle: A Test of Strengths and Weaknesses

At the heart of Auburn’s quarterback battle is a contrast in styles and strengths. On one hand, Finley brings experience and a strong arm, with the potential to stretch the defense vertically. However, his inconsistencies and struggles with accuracy have held him back in the past. Ashford, with his dual-threat ability, offers the kind of dynamic playmaking ability that could take Auburn’s offense to new heights, but his lack of polish as a passer has raised concerns. Lastly, Brown represents the future of the program, with impressive physical tools but little to no college experience.

For Freeze, this presents a dilemma: does he choose the seasoned veteran in Finley, who can provide stability and experience? Does he lean on Ashford’s athleticism, hoping that his passing game can improve enough to complement his ability to make plays with his legs? Or does he take a chance on Brown, banking on his raw talent and upside to carry Auburn into the future?

Ultimately, this battle will come down to the player who best fits Freeze’s system and demonstrates the ability to lead the team to victories. Freeze is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and he has a history of turning quarterbacks with varied skill sets into successful players. His offensive system thrives on versatility and adaptability, which means that Auburn’s starting quarterback will need to be someone who can make plays with both their arm and their legs, while also making sound decisions under pressure.

The Impact on Auburn’s 2025 Season

Whoever emerges as Auburn’s starting quarterback will have a significant impact on the team’s success in 2025. The Tigers are looking to make a strong push in the SEC and return to national prominence, and the quarterback play will be one of the most important factors in achieving that goal. Auburn’s offensive line, skill positions, and defense will all play a role in their success, but the quarterback is the player who has the most control over the outcome of games.

The quarterback position is arguably the most important in college football, and Auburn’s battle for the starting role reflects the broader quest for the team to return to greatness. Whether it’s Finley’s experience, Ashford’s dual-threat ability, or Brown’s potential, the quarterback who emerges as the leader will be expected to guide Auburn back to the top of the SEC and beyond.