Hugh Freeze’s second season as Auburn’s head football coach ended in disappointment, ending with a 28-14 loss to Alabama last weekend.

Yet despite a 5-7 record, Auburn is poised to sign a top-five recruiting class (so far), a remarkable feat considering the difficulties on the field.

Despite the recruiting success, questions remain: Will Freeze’s recruiting success be enough to secure him? his future?

Since arriving at Auburn, recruiting has been Freeze’s only saving grace. According to the On3 Industry Team RankingsAuburn has the fifth-best class entering the early signing period this year.

That success includes signings of high-profile players like 5-star cornerback Blake Woodby. It’s a continuation of the class that was considered a top 10 class last year. Freeze’s ability to retain and attract elite talent is a testament to his recruiting prowess.

The class also features a strong defensive group led by four-star prospects Malik Autry, Nate Marshall (transfer from Michigan) and Jourdin Crawford. These additions bolster a unit that struggled in 2024.

While the Tigers have secured elite signings, Freeze also faces the challenge of retaining recruits. Such is life in the NIL era of college football. Offensive tackle Tavaris Dice, a four-star recruit, transferred to Florida after initially committing to Auburn. Likewise, cornerback Donovan Starr is expected to leave the AU class, with Alabama and Vanderbilt considered favorites.

Despite these setbacks, Auburn staff continues to take aggressive steps. The Tigers are also working to replace Tennessee commit Darrion Smith, who will decide between the two schools.

Despite their struggles, Auburn’s top-ten class from last year featured players who made an immediate impact. Wide receivers Cam Coleman (#5 2024 recruit) and Malcolm Simmons, both true freshmen, have already shown their potential this season.

The Tigers also address gaps in the squad in the transfer portal. For example, after Payton Thorne’s inconsistent season, Freeze needs to prioritize finding a quarterback in the portal. Deuce Knight’s potential is exciting if he decides to stay, but Freeze knows Auburn needs a proven passer to lead the offense in 2025.

Likewise, positions like offensive tackle, linebacker and cornerback are areas that Freeze wants to address through transfers.

While Freeze’s recruiting success is undeniable, his in-game coaching has drawn criticism. Poor red zone efficiency and questionable playmaking plagued Auburn in 2024, leading to frustrated fans. The Iron Bowl loss to Alabama highlighted these issues, as the Tigers struggled to capitalize on opportunities despite strong performances from Jarquez Hunter and Cam Coleman.

Freeze acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and emphasized the need for better decision-making and execution.

“It’s disappointing to end the season the way we did,” Freeze admitted after the Iron Bowl. “With these young guys and hopefully the class we can sign next week, there’s certainly a lot to build on.”

For Freeze, hiring new employees could be the key to keeping his job. He inherited a depleted roster and has made strides in improving Auburn’s personnel. However, results on the field must follow. A top-five recruiting class buys time, but it won’t fully satisfy fans or boosters if the team continues to underperform.

Freeze needs to quickly turn Auburn into a consistent contender. He needs to focus on better quarterback play, improved red zone efficiency and smarter in-game adjustments in 2025. The foundation is being laid, but the results must match the talent Freeze brings to the Plains.

Freeze and the college’s recruiting efforts offer hope for a fan base that dreams of past glory days. The Tigers’ top-five class is full of potential stars, and the school’s ability to still attract elite talent despite on-field results sets Auburn up for long-term success. However, Freeze’s tenure ultimately depends on converting recruiting successes into victories on the field.

The question remains. Would Freeze still be around to see the recruiting class reach its full potential if Auburn gets off to a bad start in 2025?