Hugh Freeze didn’t dwell on Hank Brown’s impressive 235-yard, four-touchdown, zero-interception debut as Auburn’s starting quarterback in their 45-19 win over New Mexico. Rather than celebrating, the Tigers’ head coach issued a challenge to his new QB1 ahead of Auburn’s Week 4 clash against Arkansas.
“Hank [Brown] will be our starter next week,” Freeze announced in a statement that was hardly a surprise. “Now let’s see what he does when the competition steps up.”
Freeze’s tone suggested frustration with his current situation just three weeks into the season. Instead of relying on an established starter to lead the team into the tougher matchups of the season, he’s dealing with the aftermath of an early home loss to Cal in 2024. This has already sparked questions about how secure Freeze’s position is, given the Tigers’ mediocre 8-8 record under his leadership.
Freeze’s reliance on redshirt freshman Hank Brown, who only took over after Payton Thorne—his preferred starter—struggled against SEC defenses, has added to the pressure. While most fans and analysts expected Auburn to still be a year away from serious contention, another average season with just six wins could put Freeze in the same hot seat that Billy Napier currently occupies at Florida.
Freeze’s uncertainty might stem from external pressure to make the switch from Thorne to Brown, or perhaps he’s just tempering his expectations given the team’s recent performances.
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