Reviewed by: Matt Scalici
Hugh Freeze’s message to Auburn fans: Be patient
It hasn’t been the easiest start to the football season for Auburn football fans. The Tigers have dropped three straight games at the beginning of SEC play and are now chasing a bowl appearance as they head into the bye week.
Monday morning, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze traveled to the Magic City to speak to the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club. He touched on a variety of topics from Payton Thorne’s recent improvement to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
But most importantly, he had a message to Auburn fans about the 2024 season so far and what is still to come. Keep reading to see what Freeze said + what the second half of the season looks like for the Tigers.
‘It’s going to take time’
When Freeze spoke with the media before heading into the Birmingham Quarterback Club, many of his answers had a theme: Rebuild.
The coach said fans have every right to be frustrated especially with the turnover problems that led to losses against California, Arkansas and Oklahoma. But Freeze also wants fans to know the process of building a program is bigger than a few games.
“I don’t think we’re that far off and I know that’s not what people want to hear. They want to see results and I do too… I know what I signed up for and I know the building it’s going to take. And it’s going to take time. I’ve said that from day one.”
~ Hugh Freeze
Freeze pointed to the fact that the Tigers did not have a string of top-10 recruiting classes when he took the job like many opponents in the SEC. Auburn finished 10th in 2024 and currently ranks 3rd in the 2025 recruiting rankings, according to 247Sports.
Monday, Freeze said his focus is on this year’s team and the recruiting trail, saying he can’t spend time worrying about what fans think should happen or their expectations.
“There’s a give it to me now culture, we all feel that way and I wish I could. I really do. And maybe we will surprise some folks here in the second half of the season… You better control what you can control and I can’t control other people’s expectations but I can control the continuous build of this program.”
~ Hugh Freeze
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What comes next
Freeze’s stop in Birmingham was just the start of his travels this week. He said the team will practice Monday through Wednesday before getting the rest of the week off, resuming game week prep Sunday.
Despite a slow offensive performance against Georgia, Freeze re-emphasized that Payton Thorne is the team’s starting quarterback. Other than that, he didn’t get into too many specifics about the second half of the season but had one simple thought:
“Turn it around, let’s go win some games.”
The Tigers have gone five seasons without a bowl win for the first time in nearly three decades. To get one this season, Auburn will have to win at least four more games.
Here’s a look at the team’s remaining schedule:
- at Missouri, Oct. 19
- at Kentucky, Oct. 26
- Vanderbilt, Nov. 2
- UL-Monroe, Nov. 16
- Texas A&M, Nov. 23
- at Alabama, Nov. 30
Auburn is also hoping to end its streak of losing seasons, which currently sits at three—the program’s longest since 1950.
What do you think about Freeze’s comments halfway through the 2024 season? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
