Hugh Freeze, a coach who joined Auburn to pull them out of the sea of mediocrity and deliver the 2010 heroics again. Freeze, known for his resilience on and off the field, has always preached perseverance to his players. Whether it’s navigating a tough season or building a competitive roster, he’s never backed down from a challenge. Now, as messages of support and prayers pour in from the Auburn community, Freeze finds himself facing a battle unlike any before—one that tests not just his coaching philosophy, but his strength as well.

Auburn officials had released a statement regarding Freeze’s treatment and future. “Recently, Coach Freeze was diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer. Thankfully, it was detected early and his doctors have advised that it is very treatable and curable. He will continue his normal coaching duties and responsibilities, and with forthcoming proper treatment, is expected to make a full recovery“.

Hugh Freeze’s time at Auburn has been a mixed bag so far. He took over in November 2022, and while the first two seasons didn’t set the world on fire—finishing 6-6 in 2023 and 5-7 in 2024—there are real signs of progress. Recruiting has been a bright spot, with the 2025 class ranked 8th nationally and the 2026 group already sitting at 5th. He’s been putting in the work to reshape the program, and despite facing a personal battle with cancer, Freeze has made it clear he’s not slowing down. Auburn’s rebuild is still in motion, and he plans to be right at the center of it.

Justin Hokanson of On3 and an Auburn insider provided the update, “‘I struggle believing I have cancer because I feel great.’ Freeze says he had his 30 minutes to an hour of ‘self-pity,’ but quickly turned his focus to practicing what he preaches to his players about perseverance, etc“. Furthermore, Freeze also posted a picture thanking East Alabama Medical Center for their support, “Thank you to East Alabama Medical Center for stopping by with their thoughts & prayers. Blessed to have them a part of the Auburn family“. Freeze held a placard given by the Medical Center, which read, “Thinking of You, Coach Freeze! War Eagle!“.

While Auburn’s head coach is battling cancer, the school has confirmed that he will carry out his coaching responsibilities as usual. Coach Freeze currently holds an 11-14 record in his first two seasons as Auburn’s head coach. In the 2024 season, the team lost 4 consecutive games, starting against Arkansas with a 24-14 loss. Which ended against Missouri after a 21-17 defeat. All eyes are now on the 2025 season as people are eager to support Freeze and the team as they make inroads.

What’s in the bag for Auburn in 2025?

Auburn will start its season on the road against the Baylor Bears. Which looks to be easy enough considering the firepower that Auburn will have in 2025. Considering their 2024 season, they still have to tread cautiously in each game. However, the games against Oklahoma on the road, and Aggies on the road. And then Georgia consecutively will be a stern test of Auburn’s resilience. Since all three teams look well-oiled on paper. That being said, last year’s win against the Aggies will surely give them some inspiration to wade through the challenge.

In terms of players to watch, all expectations will be on the newly transferred QB Jackson Arnold. In his last season, the player did pass close to 1,500 yards and rushed for 444 yards. Still, there’s a lot to show for Arnold moving in the season, as we haven’t seen the best of him at Oklahoma. Duece Knight will be another quarterback to watch. He will provide solid depth, but he can also challenge for the QB1 spot later on in the season. A 5-star rated 2025 prospect, who stands at 6’4 1/2″ and 208lbs. He is someone who can be the beast of a quarterback in the long run for Hugh Freeze.

There are other players too who will look to impress for Auburn. Players like Jeremiah Cobb, who is expected to be the Tigers’ leading rusher. And will look to improve on his 314 yards in the last two years. Durell Robinson and Damari Alston are other newly incoming players who will also be looking to make their mark. In terms of the receiver department. Auburn will have Bryce Cain, Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons. But, Eric Singleton is the player who has a massive onus to continue his heroics. After posting 714 receiving yards for the Yellow Jackets last season.