The Auburn Tigers closed the bleeding on their losing streak with a win against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday. While things looked to continue on a downward spiral at halftime, a second-half resurgence saw Hugh Freeze’s side pick up a 33-24 win. However, by the looks of it, the win has done little to get the head coach off the hot seat.

Auburn’s season so far has been a topsy-turvy road owing to its inconsistent performances. Having started the season 3-0, the Tigers returned to their usual self under Freeze, losing their next four games. The win over Arkansas marked Auburn’s first SEC win of the season, bringing them to 1-4 and 4-4 overall. While it doesn’t make for good reading, what’s worse is that Freeze’s SEC record is at a dismal 6-14. With questions being asked of numerous coaches across the land, where does the Auburn’s HC fit in?

Penn State’s James Franklin and Florida’s Billy Napier have already been relieved of their duties this season. Following Saturday’s results, college football insider Pete Nakos of On3 has compiled a list of coaches who could follow them on the chopping block. The list includes LSU’s Brian Kelly, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops, UNC’s Bill Belichick, and last but not least, Auburn’s Hugh Freeze.

According to sources, Freeze’s patchy form and stagnating progress mean that he is still very much on the hot seat. Based on how the Tigers fare in their upcoming games, discussions could be had about the coach’s $15 million buyout. While things do look a bit grim for him at the moment, the win against Arkansas may have uncovered the solution to some of Freeze’s problems. With upcoming games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mercer, and Alabama, it’s time for him to throw the kitchen sink at it.

Which begs the question, how is Hugh Freeze dealing with the ramping pressure?

Hugh Freeze responds to being on the hot seat after the Arkansas win

Hugh Freeze and Auburn managed to put an end to a four-game slide on Saturday. Down 21-10 at halftime, the introduction of Ashton Daniels under center gave the Tigers a new lease of life. Replacing Jackson Arnold, the quarterback led the team on three scoring drives, finishing 6-of-8 for 77 yards. While the defense has been solid for the Tigers this season, revamping the offense with Daniels could be the way forward for Freeze.

Speaking after Auburn’s first SEC win of 2025, Freeze spoke about the constant pressure they are under. However, the head coach welcomes it and understands it as a part of the game they are in. “But you know, when you sign up for these, you’re fighting for your life from Game 1. And that’s what we do. And we signed up for it,” Freeze said. “Just go to work today and the next day and the next day and be consistent in front of these kids and this staff and man, just make sure they see a consistency in me.”

Following the win on Saturday, Hugh Freeze kept things light in the locker room with a fun activity. The head coach asked all the players to show their average screen times and the apps they were spending the most time on. Such activities help him understand what his players are consuming and how they can be wired for better efficiency. While keeping the spirits high in the locker room certainly helps, what would also help is a vote of confidence from athletic director John Cohen.

“It would be huge, That would make everyone feel a lot better, for sure,” Freeze told ESPN earlier in the week. The Auburn Tigers will welcome the Kentucky Wildcats to Jordan-Hare Stadium to start the new month. With belief restored, it is on Hugh Freeze to make the most of it and string together some wins.