Hugh Freeze is thrilled about his new starting position at quarterback for the Auburn Tigers.

Auburn Tigers’ head coach Hugh Freeze is no stranger to building successful programs and turning around struggling teams. His track record in the SEC speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and build successful systems. One of the most critical positions on any football team is the quarterback, and under Hugh Freeze’s leadership, the Auburn Tigers are poised to elevate their quarterback play as they enter a new era of football in the SEC.

After a period of uncertainty at the quarterback position in recent seasons, Freeze is thrilled about his new starting quarterback—a player who has all the tools to lead Auburn back to prominence. Freeze, known for his offensive expertise, has been searching for a signal caller who can not only execute his offensive system but also lead the Tigers to the next level of success. With the announcement of his new starting quarterback, Auburn fans are beginning to feel the buzz surrounding their team’s future, and there’s a sense of optimism that the Tigers are on the right track.

In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into Hugh Freeze’s excitement over his new starting quarterback, explore the player’s background and strengths, assess the quarterback competition that led to this decision, and analyze what this means for Auburn’s future under Freeze’s leadership. We will also look at how Freeze’s offensive system could benefit his new quarterback and what to expect in the coming season.

Hugh Freeze’s Offensive Philosophy: A Match Made in Heaven

As the new head coach at Auburn, Hugh Freeze has had the chance to shape the direction of the program. One of the most important aspects of his coaching philosophy is his ability to work with quarterbacks and develop them into dynamic, efficient players. Freeze has a well-established reputation as an offensive mind, known for his creative play-calling and ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks.

Freeze has coached some of the most talented quarterbacks in the SEC and beyond, including players like Chad Kelly and Bo Wallace during his time at Ole Miss. His offense emphasizes versatility, balance, and the ability to make quick decisions. Freeze’s system is a perfect fit for a quarterback who can make plays both in the pocket and on the move. His quarterbacks are asked to be efficient passers but also capable runners who can create additional yards on broken plays or designed runs.

At Auburn, Freeze is looking for a quarterback who can execute his scheme effectively and be a playmaker in both the passing and running games. His offense typically employs a combination of up-tempo spread and power elements, which makes it essential for the quarterback to have a strong understanding of the system and a strong ability to read defenses. As Freeze looks to bring a sense of excitement and explosive playmaking to Auburn, he’s hopeful that his new starting quarterback will excel in this system and take the Tigers’ offense to new heights.

The Quarterback Battle: A Highly Competitive Race

As the 2025 season approaches, Auburn fans have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the starting quarterback. After a few seasons of uncertainty at the position, the Tigers were in search of a clear leader under center. The competition heading into spring practice was fierce, with several talented quarterbacks battling for the starting job. Each player brought unique strengths to the table, but ultimately, Hugh Freeze was faced with the difficult decision of choosing the one who would take the reins of his offense.

The quarterbacks in the race included Holden Geriner, who was highly regarded for his raw talent and strong arm, and Robbie Ashford, a dual-threat quarterback with impressive athleticism and a history of big plays. The competition also featured TJ Finley, a transfer from LSU who brought experience to the position. All three quarterbacks had their moments during practice and scrimmages, but in the end, it was one player who separated himself from the rest.

The new starting quarterback that Freeze has chosen is Holden Geriner, a freshman who joined Auburn in the previous recruiting cycle. Geriner, a former 4-star recruit out of Georgia, has all the physical tools that Freeze looks for in a quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 220 pounds, Geriner has the size and arm strength to make all the throws. His accuracy, decision-making, and football IQ have impressed the coaching staff throughout the offseason, earning him the starting role.

While Geriner is a freshman, he’s shown tremendous potential as both a pocket passer and a player who can make plays with his legs when necessary. His strong arm allows him to stretch the field vertically, which is an important aspect of Freeze’s offense. Geriner’s accuracy on intermediate and deep throws is a key factor in his rise to the starting role, and his understanding of the game allows him to execute Freeze’s up-tempo system efficiently.

Though Geriner’s inexperience at the college level will present challenges, Freeze believes that his quarterback is more than ready to take on the responsibility. Geriner’s competitive nature, combined with his strong work ethic, has made him a player that Freeze feels comfortable with as the leader of the offense.

Why Freeze is Thrilled About His New Quarterback

Hugh Freeze is genuinely excited about his new starting quarterback, and there are several reasons why Geriner is the ideal fit for Auburn’s offense. For Freeze, the most exciting aspect of Geriner is his combination of talent and potential. While some freshmen may need time to adjust to the speed of the college game, Freeze feels that Geriner’s maturity and football acumen make him well-equipped to handle the demands of the SEC.

One of the key reasons Freeze is so enthusiastic about Geriner is his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. Dual-threat quarterbacks are highly valued in Freeze’s system, and Geriner has shown the ability to extend plays with his legs when needed. His ability to move in the pocket, keep his eyes downfield, and make accurate throws on the run is exactly what Freeze looks for in his quarterbacks. Geriner’s mobility gives Freeze flexibility in his play-calling, allowing him to create more dynamic and unpredictable offensive schemes.

Another reason for Freeze’s excitement is Geriner’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. Freeze’s offense is predicated on fast-paced play-calling and high-pressure situations, and Geriner has proven to be adept at making smart decisions under duress. Whether it’s identifying blitzes, recognizing defensive coverages, or checking into the right plays, Geriner has the mental sharpness that Freeze values in his quarterbacks.

Additionally, Geriner’s strong leadership qualities have stood out to Freeze. Though he is just a freshman, Geriner has earned the respect of his teammates and has displayed the type of poise needed to excel in high-pressure situations. His ability to lead by example and take ownership of the offense has impressed the coaching staff, and Freeze believes that Geriner has the potential to become a future leader for the Tigers both on and off the field.

Finally, Freeze is thrilled by the fact that Geriner brings a new level of excitement to Auburn’s offense. In recent years, the Tigers have struggled to find consistency at quarterback, which has hindered their overall offensive production. With Geriner at the helm, Freeze sees an opportunity for the Tigers to unleash a more explosive and dynamic offense—one that will excite fans, put pressure on opposing defenses, and create opportunities for big plays.

What to Expect from Geriner in 2025

With Geriner now named the starting quarterback, Auburn fans can expect a more dynamic and up-tempo offense. Freeze’s system thrives on speed, quick decision-making, and attacking defenses with both the pass and the run. Geriner’s ability to move the chains with his arm and legs will allow Freeze to implement a balanced offense that can challenge defenses in multiple ways.

As a freshman, Geriner will likely face some growing pains early in the season. The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and the level of talent and pressure he will face as a starting quarterback will be unlike anything he has experienced before. However, Freeze and his coaching staff have confidence that Geriner has the talent and mentality to rise to the occasion. They expect him to improve steadily over the course of the season, and by the end of the year, they believe he will be playing at a high level.

Auburn’s offense under Geriner will likely feature a combination of fast-paced passing attacks, option runs, and read-option plays that will keep defenses on their toes. Freeze will look to create mismatches by using Geriner’s athleticism and strong arm to stretch the field vertically while also using the quarterback’s legs to gain crucial yards when the pocket breaks down.

Key players around Geriner will also help him succeed. The Tigers return several talented wide receivers, including Jay Fair and Koy Moore, who will be key targets in the passing game. Additionally, Auburn’s running back group, led by Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston, will provide balance to the offense and take some pressure off Geriner. By developing a strong ground game, Freeze will be able to play to Geriner’s strengths and keep defenses guessing.

The Bigger Picture for Auburn Football

Hugh Freeze’s excitement about his new starting quarterback is part of a larger effort to revitalize Auburn football. After several seasons of underperforming, Auburn’s program is under new leadership and ready to return to the top of the SEC. Freeze has shown that he knows how to develop talent, and with a quarterback like Geriner leading the way, the Tigers are poised to make significant strides in the coming years.

The decision to start Geriner is an important step forward for the program, as it signals a commitment to building a long-term foundation with a talented young quarterback. If Geriner lives up to the hype, he could be the key to Auburn’s return to contention in the SEC and nationally.