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Hugh Freeze Declares Open Competition for Auburn Starting QB Job

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 18:44 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Hugh Freeze Declares Open Competition for Auburn’s Starting Quarterback Position

When Hugh Freeze stepped onto the Auburn sidelines in December 2022, he did so with a clear mandate: rebuild a program that had stumbled in recent years and prove that Auburn can compete in the SEC’s most brutal division. Now, as the 2024 season draws near, the former Liberty and Arkansas coach is making a candid admission that the quarterback position remains up for grabs. “We’re going to have open competition,” Freeze said in a press conference on Monday, a statement that underscores the uncertainty and ambition that define his first full year at Auburn.

The decision to leave the quarterback job undecided comes after a 2023 season in which Auburn finished 7‑5 overall and 4‑4 in conference play—a respectable record but one that fell short of the school’s lofty expectations. The offense, in particular, struggled to find a consistent spark, and the quarterback position became a focal point for discussion among fans and analysts alike. In that season, the Tigers’ starting quarterback was a junior, Will Levis, who had inherited a complex system from his predecessor and had to learn a new playbook in a short span of time. Levis, known for his quick decision‑making and mobility, posted solid numbers, completing 61 percent of his passes for 2,700 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Yet, his performance was often hampered by a lack of supporting talent and a confusing defensive scheme.

Freeze’s openness about the QB competition signals that he intends to evaluate all available talent before locking down a starter. Among those vying for the role are:

• Will Levis – The junior, who has already played a full season under Freeze’s system, remains a natural candidate. His familiarity with the playbook and his experience in high‑pressure games make him a compelling choice. However, his statistical output will be scrutinized against the depth of the competition.

• Jaxson Smith‑Mueller – A transfer from Alabama, Smith‑Mueller brought a different skill set to Auburn. He had a productive stint at Alabama, completing 1,800 passes for 23 touchdowns during his tenure there. At Auburn, he has shown flashes of the arm strength and play‑making ability that Freeze values. Smith‑Mueller’s versatility as a pocket passer and a runner could offer the Tigers a dual‑threat dynamic.

• 2024 Recruit – Auburn’s recruiting department brought in a highly touted high‑school quarterback during the 2023 recruiting cycle. While still a freshman, the recruit’s talent and potential have already generated buzz among the coaching staff. Freeze’s willingness to give a redshirt freshman a chance demonstrates his commitment to building a competitive roster.

The open competition is not a new concept at Auburn. Historically, the program has rotated quarterbacks, most notably during the 1980s when legendary coach Doug Barfield and later coach Pat Dye employed a system that favored adaptability over a single “starter.” In recent years, Auburn’s quarterbacks have often been traded between the starting spot and backup roles, a practice that has been cited as a contributing factor to the offense’s inconsistency.

Hugh Freeze’s coaching philosophy—rooted in disciplined fundamentals and a balanced offensive approach—places significant emphasis on the quarterback’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. Freeze’s record at Liberty, where he led the team to multiple playoff appearances, showcases his skill in developing quarterbacks under high‑stakes conditions. His tenure at Arkansas further cemented his reputation for turning around programs that were struggling.

The implications of an open quarterback competition extend beyond the practice field. In the SEC, the margin between a championship‑winning team and a mid‑tier contender can hinge on the quarterback’s performance in pivotal moments. Freeze’s decision will likely influence the Tigers’ approach to game planning, especially against top SEC teams such as Florida and Georgia. A dynamic, reliable quarterback can be the difference in a 20‑point shootout, or in a game where a single drive can swing momentum.

Beyond the statistics, the quarterback competition will also test Auburn’s depth chart and coaching staff’s ability to coach and develop talent. The Tigers’ offensive line, which has shown improvements in pass protection, will be a key factor in supporting any quarterback that ultimately takes the field. The offensive line coach, who has been instrumental in building a cohesive unit in the past two seasons, will be tasked with ensuring that the chosen quarterback has the time and space to execute the playbook.

The season’s early look will come in the spring practice schedule, where the quarterbacks will be evaluated on their arm accuracy, pocket presence, and decision‑making under pressure. Freeze has stated that the coaching staff will be keeping an eye on the development of the 2024 recruit, who could be a surprise contender if he can adapt quickly to the college level. Meanwhile, Will Levis and Jaxson Smith‑Mueller will continue to refine their mechanics and study the defensive schemes that will define Auburn’s offensive strategy.

For the Auburn fan base, the open competition is both a source of excitement and anxiety. The potential for a new quarterback to lead the Tigers back to national prominence is a narrative that will resonate throughout the campus and the South. As the Tigers prepare for a season where every game could be a defining moment, Hugh Freeze’s candid admission that no decision has yet been made underscores his confidence in the talent pool and his willingness to let performance speak louder than pre‑season hype.

In sum, the quarterback position at Auburn remains an open field. Will Levis, Jaxson Smith‑Mueller, and a promising 2024 recruit are all poised to compete for the starting role, and the outcome will hinge on their performance in practice, the coaching staff’s development strategies, and the team’s ability to translate that into on‑field success. Freeze’s transparent approach offers a glimpse into his coaching style—a blend of discipline, evaluation, and readiness to capitalize on opportunity. The stage is set, and the next chapters of Auburn’s storied football narrative will unfold in the coming weeks.