It's a big year.
Josh Pate Names Historic SEC Program Who is 'On the Clock This Year' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2024 college football season was another disappointing year for one of the premier programs in the sport.
The Auburn Tigers finished the season with a record of 5-7, marking four consecutive losing seasons for the once-proud program. This is the first time since 1946-50 that the Tigers have experienced four or more consecutive losing seasons.
This also marks consecutive losing seasons for head coach Hugh Freeze. On his podcast, "Josh Pate's College Football Show," the college football analyst emphasized that it's time for Freeze and Auburn to make progress and demonstrate improvement. Pate noted that the fan base has been patient with Freeze so far, but if results do not improve, support may wane.
"I really feel like Auburn is on the clock this year," Pate said. "I really feel like Hugh Freeze got there, and to Auburn fans' credit, I thought they had as much patience as any fan base would have with a head coach in major college football."
Pate believes Auburn fans understood the team's situation when Freeze took over. He feels that now, in the third year, expectations have shifted, and that same patience may not be extended this upcoming season.
The optimism stems from landing key players in the transfer portal. According to 247Sports, the Tigers have secured the No. 8 recruiting class and the No. 8 transfer portal class for 2025.
The standout players in the transfer portal are quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. In his first season as the starter for the Oklahoma Sooners, Arnold threw for 1,421 yards, recording 12 touchdowns and three interceptions over 10 games.
Meanwhile, Singleton Jr. had an impressive season with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, accumulating 754 yards and three touchdowns, earning him recognition as one of the top five players in the transfer portal.
Pate believes that Auburn must win more than seven games this year; otherwise, there will be little for Freeze to offer to fans, boosters or recruits. He feels this season is critical for Freeze's future at Auburn.
The Tigers will open the season on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET, facing Baylor on the road.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names SEC Coach Who Could be on 'Short Leash' After Offseason Criticism
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
