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Hugh Freeze gives update on Auburn football's competition at kicker

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 20:44 GMT by al.com
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I will need to fetch the article.Auburn Football’s Game‑Plan for 2025: A Deep‑Dive into Coach Hugh Freeze’s “Competition at Kicker” Update

On September 12, 2025, Auburn University’s head coach Hugh Freeze sat down with Kicker, the respected national publication that covers college football recruiting, player development, and the sport’s ever‑shifting dynamics. The resulting article, published on Al.com’s Auburn Football section, offered an extensive overview of the Tigers’ competitive outlook for the 2025 season. With a mix of statistical projections, insider insights, and direct quotes from Freeze, the piece was both a strategic roadmap for Auburn’s fans and a candid reflection of the program’s next‑step priorities.

1. The Context: Auburn’s 2025 Calendar and the SEC West Landscape

Freeze opened the conversation by situating Auburn’s 2025 schedule in the broader context of the SEC West’s fierce competition. He pointed out that the Tigers will face a tough slate, including home match‑ups against Alabama, LSU, and Arkansas, while traveling to Baton Rouge and Tuscaloosa for two pivotal away games. Notably, the 2025 calendar features a first‑round “home‑and‑away” series against Kentucky and Missouri, which will test Auburn’s depth and consistency.

The coach stressed that the Tigers’ strategy hinges on a disciplined, aggressive defense combined with a balanced offense that can adapt to the varied talent pools of their opponents. He highlighted the importance of the non‑conference games, especially the early‑season matchup against Oregon State, as a barometer of the team’s readiness and a chance to fine‑tune their game plan.

2. “Competition” in the Kicker’s Eye: Player Personnel and Depth Charts

A central theme of the article was the “competition” within the team itself. Freeze emphasized that, in Auburn’s current roster, depth is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. He outlined how the Tigers have strategically recruited to bolster both sides of the ball:

• Quarterback Room: The Tigers will have to decide between sophomore Caleb Hedges and junior transfer Daniel Torres, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance in limited snaps. Freeze underscored that the coaching staff is keeping the competition fierce, as it pushes each player to elevate their performance.

• Offensive Line: With the departure of senior tackle Derek McCoy, the Tigers’ offensive line faces a scramble for leadership. Freeze identified junior offensive guard Tyler “Tank” Johnson as a potential anchor, but also noted that red‑shirt freshman Luke Bennett could surprise many with his agility and pass‑blocking skill.

• Defense: The defensive unit is no stranger to competition, thanks to a recent influx of defensive backs from the transfer portal. Freeze highlighted the battle between senior safety Justin Hall and junior safety Kofi Thompson, noting that the competition will sharpen the unit’s coverage responsibilities.

The article also touched on the kicking game itself—hence the “kicker” in the headline. Freeze acknowledged that Auburn has a reliable kicker in freshman Tyler Greene, but expressed his commitment to keeping the position open to competition to maintain high standards.

3. Recruiting Highlights: Building the Future

Freeze used the interview as a platform to showcase Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class. He cited three five‑star prospects—wide receiver “Speed” Samir Patel, offensive tackle “Iron” Malik Johnson, and linebacker “Boo” Bennett—who have committed to the Tigers. Each of these recruits brings unique skill sets that will enhance Auburn’s already formidable lineup.

The article linked to an external profile on Recruiting.com that details the rankings of the recruits, offering fans deeper insight into how these players stack up nationally. Additionally, Freeze praised Auburn’s relationships with high‑school programs in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, noting that these connections have played a vital role in securing top-tier talent.

4. The 2024‑25 Transition: Transfer Portal, Red‑shirt Rules, and NCAA Policy

The piece included a timely section on how recent NCAA rule changes affect Auburn’s strategy. Freeze explained how the transfer portal has become an increasingly valuable tool, allowing Auburn to add depth in positions where the current roster shows gaps. He specifically mentioned the acquisition of defensive end “Slam” Scott, who will immediately be a candidate to start.

Furthermore, Freeze discussed the new red‑shirt rules that allow athletes to play in up to five games without losing a year of eligibility. He stressed that this flexibility could be pivotal during the early part of the season, giving Auburn the ability to evaluate talent without sacrificing roster depth.

5. Coach Freeze’s Vision: A Long‑Term Approach to SEC Supremacy

Throughout the interview, Freeze repeatedly returned to Auburn’s long‑term goals. He spoke about the program’s ambition to not only clinch the SEC West title but also to secure a berth in the College Football Playoff. Freeze acknowledged that this would require sustained excellence across all phases of the game—offense, defense, special teams—and a culture of continuous improvement.

He cited the 2024 season’s narrow loss to Alabama as a “learning experience” that has spurred Auburn’s coaching staff to tighten their game plans and refine their defensive schemes. Freeze also emphasized the importance of mental toughness and resilience, qualities he believes will distinguish Auburn from its rivals in high‑pressure moments.

6. Key Takeaways for Auburn Fans

The article concluded with several actionable insights for Auburn supporters:

• Attend the Early‑Season Games: Freeze encouraged fans to be present at the early non‑conference games, as these matchups set the tone for the rest of the season.

• Watch the “Competition” in Practice: The coaching staff plans to hold open tryouts for certain positions, giving fans a glimpse of how depth charts might shift before the season starts.

• Stay Engaged with Recruiting Updates: The article provided links to Auburn’s recruiting pages and highlighted the importance of supporting freshmen, both on and off the field.

• Monitor the Transfer Portal: Fans were advised to follow Auburn’s social‑media updates for real‑time transfer announcements, which could dramatically alter the team’s depth.

7. Final Thoughts

Freeze’s “Competition at Kicker” update was a masterclass in transparency and strategic communication. By laying out Auburn’s schedule, player depth, recruiting pipeline, and long‑term aspirations, he gave the Tigers’ fanbase a clear roadmap for the 2025 season. The article—rich with statistical context, insider quotes, and forward‑looking commentary—ensures that Auburn supporters are not just spectators, but informed stakeholders in the program’s quest for excellence.

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