Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze walks off the field after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Auburn University’s football team is grappling with offensive challenges as they find themselves in a four-game losing streak in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. The Tigers have yet to secure a victory in the SEC, with three of their four losses being decided by a touchdown or less. The team has not scored more than 20 points in a game since their win over South Alabama on September 13, 2023, raising concerns about their overall performance.
Despite the presence of several talented playmakers, including Eric Singleton Jr., the top-ranked player in last year’s transfer portal, and promising receivers like Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons, the Tigers have struggled to effectively utilize their offensive talent. Currently, they rank near the bottom of the conference in terms of total passing yards and average passing yards per game.
Pressure Mounts on Head Coach Hugh Freeze
Head coach Hugh Freeze faces increasing pressure to deliver results. Back in May, he emphasized the importance of reaching a bowl game to meet the expectations of the Auburn program. As the season progresses, every close game becomes critical for the Tigers’ chances of success. In a recent press conference, Freeze acknowledged the need to assess the quarterback position but stopped short of confirming any changes to the starting lineup.
“If you go watch the game — it’s really hard to complain about Jackson in the first half of the last two games — we’ve got to find that consistency throughout the game or we’ve got to go find a spark,” Freeze stated. Currently, starting quarterback Jackson Arnold has recorded five passing touchdowns and one interception, along with seven rushing touchdowns. However, he has also faced significant pressure, having been sacked 26 times this season. For the time being, Arnold will retain his position as the starter, but Ashton Daniels, a transfer from Stanford, is prepared to step in if needed.
Lessons from Last Season’s Quarterback Changes
Freeze’s contemplation of a potential quarterback switch echoes a similar scenario from the previous season. After a disappointing performance from Payton Thorne in a loss to California, Freeze turned to redshirt freshman Hank Brown in hopes of igniting the offense. Brown had a strong game against New Mexico, throwing four touchdown passes, but struggled during SEC competition, throwing three first-half interceptions against Arkansas. Thorne ultimately took over for Brown and remained the starter for the rest of the season, contributing to Auburn finishing with a 5-7 record, just short of bowl eligibility.
The decision to change quarterbacks midseason impacted the team’s momentum and could weigh heavily on Freeze’s mind this time around. Daniels’ prior experience as a starter positions him as a more reliable option compared to the uncertainty that came with Brown’s promotion last year. Freeze must be cautious not to make a change simply for the sake of change, especially given the timing of this year’s situation.
With the Tigers approaching Week 9, the stakes are high. Playing musical chairs with the quarterback position could further disrupt an already struggling offense. While a transition to Daniels might inject fresh energy and confidence, it could also lead to additional disarray in the team’s structure. If Freeze opts to replace Arnold, he will likely need to commit to Daniels for the remainder of the season to give him the chance to showcase his abilities.
Auburn still has an opportunity to qualify for a bowl game, but a revolving door of quarterbacks could complicate their path. The decision that Freeze makes in the coming weeks could determine the fate of the Tigers’ season and their aspirations for postseason play.
