Auburn fans had reasons to feel hopeful Saturday night in Jordan-Hare. Through the first half, the Tigers were dominant with 238 yards on 43 plays, eight-of-ten on third downs, and 15 first downs compared to Georgia’s two. The Bulldogs hadn’t moved the chains in over 20 minutes of game action, and Auburn seemed set to build a comfortable lead. But as the game progressed, that control slipped, leaving fans to wonder if Hugh Freeze’s team is perpetually on the brink without ever having the ability to finish the job. 

On October 13’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman offered a candid take on Auburn’s hot seat situation. “Hugh Freeze at this point is really struggling. You just kind of wonder if it’s just not meant to be here right now,” he said. And then there’s Jon Sumrall, the Tulane HC quietly turning heads. Feldman highlighted his fit with the Tigers saying, “He’s from the state of Alabama, has coached in the SEC as an assistant. And he’s the guy, if you talk to people inside the coaching world, who a lot of ADs really admire and respect.” Because the coaching carousel in college football never sleeps, and Auburn could be next in line.

Jon Sumrall’s own resume backs the hype. A former Kentucky linebacker whose career ended early due to a neck injury, he quickly transitioned to coaching, climbing from graduate assistant to co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss and Kentucky. Now in his second year at Tulane, he’s already made waves with a 9-4 record, including an eight-game winning streak. 

So far this season, Sumrall is proving he can win with a 5-1 record. No wonder athletic director David Harris got a contract extension done last year itself. Sumrall was already under contract through the 2029 season at an annual salary approaching $3 million. Looks like the Green Wave wants other programs to not poach their coach. This extension was also taken with a focus  on the need for vision and adaptability in the current era of NIL. These are subtle hints that Sumrall is quite high in demand in the coaching market. But while the Sumrall’s stock keeps climbing in the coaching world, Auburn’s situation keeps sinking deeper into uncertainty. And Saturday night felt like the latest chapter in that decline.

Hugh Freeze on hot seat as Auburn’s nightmare continues 

Back at Auburn, the Tigers seemed poised to turn a corner. The offense was ahead of the chains. Jackson Arnold wasn’t forced into drop-back every down.  The running backs were active, and penalties were minimal. For a brief moment, it looked like the team might finally convert all their training and preparation into a signature win under Hugh Freeze. But the momentum didn’t last.

A fumble at the goal line against Georgia’s Bulldogs erased any hope, turning what could have been a statement game into another missed opportunity. Auburn lost 20-10, marking their third consecutive defeat. They are 0-3 in the SEC. Freeze’s squad has consistently failed to close games. A pattern that leaves fans frustrated and the critics circling like vultures. The HC himself summed up bluntly saying, “I think it’s very clear that we find ways to not win football games.” 

Close doesn’t count in the SEC, and the stakes are unforgiving. Hugh Freeze’s buyout will top $15 million after this season, adding to Auburn’s previous $21 million payout for a coach who never had a losing season. Meanwhile, Jon Sumrall continues to quietly build his resume. A rising star with SEC credibility who could be the perfect choice for Auburn if they decide it’s time for a change.