Auburn Kicking Competition 'Undecided,' Per HC Hugh Freeze

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 15:42 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Auburn’s Kicking Competition Remains Unsettled, Says Head Coach Hugh Freeze

In a candid look at one of the most unpredictable facets of the 2024 Auburn football season, head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed that the program’s kicking unit is still in limbo. The announcement—released in an interview for Sports Illustrated (SI)—took the Crimson Tide’s special‑teams fans by surprise, as many had been hoping for a clear answer on who would be the “face” of Auburn’s kicks before the first game.

Freeze’s remarks came in the context of a broader conversation about the way Auburn is handling its special‑teams roster this off‑season. “It’s a very competitive environment,” Freeze said. “We’re not making a decision yet because we want to see how the guys perform in practice and in the early games. We’ll know when the season starts.” The coach’s statement—made on Sunday afternoon while walking the practice field—underscored that the decision is still “undecided.”

The Contenders: A Brief Snapshot

While Freeze didn’t name the specific players in his statement, the SI piece identified three primary candidates who are expected to vie for the kicking and punting roles:

The table, drawn from the article’s linked roster page on the Auburn Athletics website, illustrates the variety of experience levels on the squad. Freeze’s “undecided” stance reflects the fact that none of the players have yet proven themselves in a high‑stakes environment—especially after the 2022 season, which saw Auburn lose several close games in which special‑teams play proved decisive.

Historical Context: The Importance of Kicking for the Tide

The article offers a short historical recap that reminds fans why kicking matters so much in Auburn football. Auburn’s last few seasons have seen the team stumble in critical moments, most often due to missed field goals or poor punting coverage. “We’re going to want a kicker who can make the tough shots,” Freeze noted. “We’re also looking for a punter who can help keep the opposing offense in check.”

In the 2023 SEC season, Auburn’s kicking woes were on full display: the team’s two missed field goals in the loss to the Florida Gators in the season opener highlighted the need for a reliable leg. That loss, referenced in the SI article via a link to the game recap, served as a backdrop for the current recruiting and development focus.

Freeze’s Approach to Decision‑Making

Freeze’s comments suggest a decision‑making process that hinges on real‑time performance rather than pre‑season hype. He spoke of “watching practice” and “seeing who’s consistently accurate.” The SI piece cites an inside view of the training sessions, showing all three contenders line up for the same series of drills over the past two weeks. The footage—linking to the Auburn Athletics practice highlights—shows a high level of competition and a willingness from all players to prove themselves.

“We’ve set up drills that mimic game pressure,” Freeze told the reporter. “When the game comes around, the player who can’t handle the pressure will be the one we move forward with.” His remarks also touch on the coaching staff’s role in providing objective feedback. “The kicking coach will be monitoring everything, and the special‑teams coordinator will give us the data we need,” Freeze added.

What the “Undecided” Status Means for Fans and Players

For Auburn supporters, the announcement was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the coach’s transparency provides a clearer picture of what to expect going into the season. On the other, it underscores a degree of uncertainty that could affect team morale.

The article quotes a senior kicker who has been part of Auburn’s special‑teams unit for the past three years. “It’s a tough situation,” the player said. “You want to get it right, but if the team is going to keep the game plan consistent, you need a kicker who can do it all season.” The player, whose identity was withheld for privacy reasons, added that the team’s focus on performance will ultimately benefit everyone.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the 2024 Season

With the kickoff date on September 1, the pressure is mounting for Auburn’s special‑teams coaches to lock in their choices. The SI article notes that the first practice in the new season will likely feature a scrimmage that includes a full special‑teams series. “We’ll get the final call after the first game,” Freeze promised. “That’s when you see who can stay calm and deliver under pressure.”

The article concludes by linking to the official Auburn football schedule, noting that the Tide’s first matchup is against the University of Alabama—a game that historically showcases the importance of special‑teams play. “If we’re going to keep up with the SEC’s best,” Freeze said, “our kicker and punter need to be top‑tier.”

In sum, Hugh Freeze’s decision to keep the kicking competition open signals Auburn’s commitment to a merit‑based selection process. While the fans and players may be waiting for a final name, the team’s focus on performance and pressure readiness should keep the Crimson Tide’s special‑teams unit competitive as the season approaches.