Hugh Freeze, known for his ability to work magic with quarterbacks, took a risky approach to Auburn’s quarterback situation—and it hasn’t paid off. Now, as Auburn faces a tough schedule and a shaky season, Freeze’s decision not to aggressively pursue a new quarterback has put the program in a difficult spot.
After a 2-2 start and daunting games against top-ranked teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&M still ahead, Auburn’s chances at making a bowl game are in jeopardy. This is far from the leap forward many expected in Freeze’s second year as head coach. The main reason? The unresolved quarterback issue.
A Quarterback Conundrum
From the moment Freeze took over at Auburn in December 2022, it was clear that the quarterback position needed an upgrade. However, despite recognizing the need, Freeze struggled in the transfer market. Coming from Liberty, where he didn’t have to navigate the complexities of the transfer portal and NIL (name, image, likeness), Freeze found himself unprepared for the aggressive approach required.
Auburn missed out on high-profile quarterbacks in the December transfer window, including Devin Leary (NC State) and Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina). The spring transfer market, less rich with talent, became the Tigers’ last hope.
One major target was Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, but despite Auburn’s efforts, his older brother, NFL star Tua Tagovailoa, intervened to shut down the transfer. Auburn also considered options like Notre Dame’s Tyler Buchner and Nebraska’s Casey Thompson, but neither joined. Eventually, the Tigers landed on Payton Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State, but even within Auburn, there were doubts.
Payton Thorne’s Struggles
Thorne, who had a solid 2021 season with Michigan State, wasn’t the same player without his star teammates. Auburn’s offense struggled with Thorne under center, as he and Robby Ashford rotated at quarterback throughout the season, leading to inconsistent performances. Thorne’s stats—16 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and just 135 passing yards per game—were a reflection of Auburn’s broader offensive woes.
Despite these struggles, Freeze remained committed to Thorne, believing that with the right support, he could reignite the quarterback’s 2021 form. Unfortunately, Auburn finished the season 6-7, capped by a blowout loss in the Music City Bowl. Freeze deflected responsibility, saying his focus had been on recruiting, but the lack of a clear quarterback leader haunted the Tigers all season.
Why Freeze Stayed the Course
Freeze had the opportunity to recruit another quarterback in 2024 but chose not to. According to sources, two factors influenced his decision:
- Freeze didn’t want to spend heavily on a transfer quarterback.
- He was concerned about disrupting the team’s quarterback room, potentially losing promising young QBs like Walker White and Hank Brown, both seen as long-term solutions.
Freeze publicly admitted he couldn’t justify spending $1 million on a transfer QB. Instead, he focused on building around Thorne by signing top wide receivers, including Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. His plan was to surround Thorne with talent and hope for a resurgence, but that strategy hasn’t panned out.
Missed Opportunities
There was a moment of doubt when Auburn briefly considered Washington State’s Cam Ward late in the transfer process. Ward, a highly sought-after transfer, was being pursued by several schools. But Freeze and his staff hesitated, and Ward ultimately chose Miami, where he’s now a Heisman contender leading an undefeated team.
Beyond quarterbacks, Freeze’s inexperience in the transfer portal has cost Auburn in other areas as well. The Tigers missed out on key offensive linemen and other impact players due to Freeze’s slow, relationship-driven approach to recruiting—a style better suited for high school prospects than the quick decisions required in the transfer portal era.
Looking Ahead
Freeze now faces a critical crossroads at Auburn. His reluctance to fully embrace the transfer portal and his belief that he could turn Thorne into a star have backfired, leaving the Tigers in a precarious position. With a tough schedule ahead and bowl game eligibility in question, Freeze’s third season will be pivotal in determining the program’s future.
If Freeze is to turn things around, he’ll need to reconsider his approach, both in recruiting and in how he handles the quarterback position. Auburn needs more than hope—they need results.
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