Hugh Freeze’s Auburn had an improved outing against Georgia at home, but it still ended in a 10-20 loss. The Tigers faced some questionable calls, especially one fumble that prevented them from going 17-0. However, the result meant that they’re 0-3 in conference play, and naturally, Freeze’s buyout is doing the rounds on the internet. Ahead of the game, the HC was asked whether the game could affect his job security. “I don’t pay attention to any of that,” he said, adding that his story is being written way above his pay grade. But On3’s latest intel confirms what college football was already mulling over.

Auburn hasn’t improved under Freeze. That’s the fact. In his first two seasons, he ended with 6-7 and 5-7 records, but there was genuine hope around the 2025 season. Combine that with head coach firings going around college football, and it’s not a surprise that the Tigers are also mulling over the same. “Sources have told On3 that there is real pressure on Freeze, the former Ole Miss and Liberty head coach who is now 0-3 in SEC play this season,” On3 reported.

One can argue that the Tigers didn’t lose any of the games badly this year. They were competitive against Oklahoma and Texas A&M, and even the Georgia game could have been a different story. But the program is seeing it differently. “The Tigers host Missouri on Saturday in what could be a critical game for Freeze’s future at Auburn,” On3 further wrote.

The Georgia clash kept the fans glued to their seats, with the climax capped off by the end of the first half. The Tigers had a seven-point lead since the first quarter, with another field goal lodged by McPherson in the next quarter. But that was the last of the action. The home team could manage a mere 40 offensive yards in the second half.

The Jackson Arnold fumble dominated the narrative after the game. Hugh Freeze argued that Arnold pushed the ball inside the end zone before the ball was fumbled. It’s not wrong to say that we could have seen a different Auburn if they were leading by 17-0. The word ‘heartbreaking’ doesn’t even describe what Auburn went through at that moment. “I have no clue,” said Hugh Freeze to Molly McGrath after the final verdict, “That was the w…” but stopped short before completing his sentence.

But now, all eyes are on the $15 million buyout and the Missouri showdown.

Hugh Freeze stared down at a $15 million buyout sum

Hugh Freeze entered Auburn in November 2022, after the then-head coach Bryan Harsin was let go. Signing a $39 million deal for six years. The program is scheduled to pay him $6,725,000 for the 2025 season, excluding bonuses. But with a poor Auburn resume, the coach is staring down at his $15 million buyout (as of December 1, 2025).

If we zoom in on the college football coaches’ buyout spectrum, Hugh Freeze’s buyout does not come across exactly as expensive. Look at Kirby Smart, not that he is on a hot seat; his buyout is a whopping $118 million, or Lincoln Riley, with a $90 million buyout. If Freeze loses again against Missouri, Auburn might not find it difficult to arrange that sum.

Now, his future hinges on the Missouri game’s outcome. Eli Drinkwitz is coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons, with an unscathed 5-0 record, until Alabama beat them on Saturday. Can Auburn beat them? “I know we’re doing things the right way here, and we’re getting closer each game,” Hugh Freeze had said earlier.