The Auburn Tigers have been struggling in a way that modern fans of the program simply have never had to witness in their entire lives. But now in year three of the Hugh Freeze era the early intel out of spring practices confirms that there might be hope for an 8+ win season after all.
There was just one time back in the 1970s where Auburn failed to reach 8 wins for a span of four seasons in a row. But you would have to go back to the 1940s and 1950s to find a stretch of five years or more where Auburn failed to reach eight wins. The Tigers haven’t even reached seven wins once in the last five seasons.
The standard of excellent must be higher. And it looks like a few breakout candidates may just bring Auburn back to respectability if the buzz this spring has any substance behind it.
Cam Coleman & Eric Singleton at WR
Auburn fans are already familiar with how special five star wide receiver Cam Coleman could become. He flashed some skills early in the season, but finished last fall with 22 catches and six touchdowns in his last three games alone.
This spring Coleman is picking up right where he left off, finding chemistry with transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold–as you can see in the video below. And he isn’t the only wide receiver impressing this spring either.
When Hugh Freeze has been asked following spring practices which players or position groups he’s been most pleased with in competitive action, the wide receivers are almost always mentioned first or early:
When Hugh Freeze has been asked following spring practices which players or position groups he’s been most pleased with in competitive action, the wide receivers are almost always mentioned first or early:
Comments like these are frequent. Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton (Georgia Tech transfer), Malcolm Simmons, and a handful of other developing receiver talents have all made some splashy plays in spring practices and scrimmages.
Eric Singleton is going to be the name to know though. He’s apparently creating easy separation, which was his specialty at Georgia Tech, especially on quick releasing underneath and deeper routes. He and Cam Coleman are going to put on a show with whoever is playing quarterback for Auburn.
Deuce Knight, Five Star Freshman QB
Most assume that incoming former five star quarterback Jackson Arnold is going to be the guy this year, and that’s probably true. However, there’s still a quarterback competition emerging. Five star freshman Deuce Knight has been lighting it up in practices, syncing up with a number of wide receiver talents too.
Hugh Freeze has, on multiple occasions, talked about the fierce competition at quarterback, wishing every single position was that way. Here’s what he had to say on the position just last week:
Jackson Arnold flat out struggled a year ago with turnovers and decision-making as his entire wide receiver room seemed to be constantly injured at Oklahoma. The talent is still there as evidenced by his flashes this spring, but don’t assume Deuce Knight can’t win this job.
We could get used to this
pic.twitter.com/R16tN54o52
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) March 27, 2025
Knight was a 7-on-7 phenom throughout his high school journey on top of being a seemingly perfect pocket improviser as well. He can make every throw, boasts top notch athleticism to extend plays, and already looks like a promising future talent for the Auburn Tigers at quarterback. That journey might not start on the field in year one, but it’s good to see him pushing hard early.
Breakout Edge Rushers outside of just Keldric Faulk
The Auburn Tigers have a deep, creative blend of edge rushing talents that they rotate through. The only premier talent and key starter from last year’s edge rushing crew that the Tigers don’t return is Jalen McLeod. They return their most important versatile defensive front weapon in Keldric Faulk. And now at least one or two new names should step up this fall too.
Amaris Williams is likely the best bet to be the true defensive end that steps up this season. McLeod was a “buck” edge player who should directly be replaced by Keyron Crawford and transfer Chris Murray. Williams looks to be the direct back up and supplemental defensive front piece alongside Keldric Faulk who can shift around the line anywhere.
Freshman Connection
@DeuceKnight
@yksam17 pic.twitter.com/vEJcZDWS8V
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) April 1, 2025
Faulk has spent plenty of time working with Amaris Williams this spring so that the true sophomore can leap from 120-snap rotational contributor to the potentially near every down game-changer that he should be able to become.
Amaris Williams brings with him phenomenal strengt and a slightly high cut athletic frame that can twist, bend, and burst through and around offensive tackles. If he adds a few moves to his pass rush arsenal he’ll be a key name to watch this fall.
And if you want to see why Cam Coleman could explode in 2025 for the Auburn Tigers just check out some of his freshman highlights from last season below!
Keldric Faulk
Amaris Williams
Some technique talk between junior and sophomore defensive ends during Auburn's first spring practice. pic.twitter.com/DvxGfSV8cv
— Auburn Tigers | AL.com (@aldotcomTigers) March 25, 2025
Breakout Edge Rushers outside of just Keldric Faulk
The Auburn Tigers have a deep, creative blend of edge rushing talents that they rotate through. The only premier talent and key starter from last year’s edge rushing crew that the Tigers don’t return is Jalen McLeod. They return their most important versatile defensive front weapon in Keldric Faulk. And now at least one or two new names should step up this fall too.
Amaris Williams is likely the best bet to be the true defensive end that steps up this season. McLeod was a “buck” edge player who should directly be replaced by Keyron Crawford and transfer Chris Murray. Williams looks to be the direct back up and supplemental defensive front piece alongside Keldric Faulk who can shift around the line anywhere.
Faulk has spent plenty of time working with Amaris Williams this spring so that the true sophomore can leap from 120-snap rotational contributor to the potentially near every down game-changer that he should be able to become.
Amaris Williams brings with him phenomenal strengt and a slightly high cut athletic frame that can twist, bend, and burst through and around offensive tackles. If he adds a few moves to his pass rush arsenal he’ll be a key name to watch this fall.
