One Key Area That Auburn’s Defense Must Sharpen to Reach Championship Level Under Hugh Freeze’s Vision for the Tigers
The Auburn Tigers are heading into the 2025 season with renewed expectations under head coach Hugh Freeze. With a year of his system now embedded, players familiar with the schemes, and a top-tier recruiting class on campus, the foundation is solid. Still, as Auburn looks to climb back into the upper echelon of the SEC and national picture, there remains one clear deficiency on defense that could hold the Tigers back if not corrected: consistent containment of the run, especially on early downs.
Auburn’s defense showed flashes of excellence last season under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. There were games where the front seven looked aggressive, disciplined, and swarming—moments that reminded fans of the program’s proud defensive traditions. But too often, Auburn gave up chunk plays in the ground game, particularly in crucial moments. Whether it was getting gashed between the tackles or giving up edge contain to mobile quarterbacks, opponents were able to dictate tempo by staying ahead of the chains. That imbalance put unnecessary pressure on the secondary and made third-down stops much harder to come by.
Statistically, Auburn ranked in the bottom third of the SEC in rushing yards allowed per game in 2024, and that’s not a formula for long-term success in a conference where controlling the line of scrimmage is paramount. Teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU often build their identities around wearing down defenses through powerful, punishing run games. If Auburn wants to compete with those teams consistently, the Tigers must elevate their front-seven performance and be more physical and technically sound against the run.
The issue isn’t just about the defensive line or the linebackers individually—it’s about the cohesion of the front seven and the overall philosophy on early downs. Too often in 2024, opposing offenses were in second-and-4 or third-and-2 situations, where the playbook is wide open. Auburn’s inability to generate enough negative plays on first down—whether through run stuffs or timely blitzes—allowed opponents to sustain drives and control possession. That takes a toll, especially late in games, when fatigue sets in and depth is tested.
What’s encouraging is that the Tigers have recruited specifically to address this concern. The addition of impact defensive linemen in the 2025 signing class—alongside returning veterans like Jayson Jones and Keldric Faulk—gives Roberts more options to rotate and scheme creatively. Auburn also added muscle at linebacker, bringing in versatile, downhill players who can read and react quickly, fill gaps, and blitz effectively. These additions will help, but scheme discipline and execution are just as vital.
Missed assignments in gap fits plagued Auburn at times last season. Whether it was linebackers over-pursuing or defensive linemen getting washed out of their lanes, too many run plays developed into second-level gains. That is where Auburn’s coaches have focused much of their offseason attention. Film study, spring drills, and fall camp will be critical windows to instill the kind of discipline required to improve this area.
There’s also the matter of tackling. Auburn’s defense missed far too many open-field tackles in 2024, and while the blame for that can be shared across the unit, it became especially apparent on runs that broke through the initial wave. Too often, a potential 3-yard gain turned into an 11-yard burst simply because the tackle wasn’t wrapped up or a defender took a poor angle. Improvement in this area doesn’t require five-star talent—it requires fundamentals, repetition, and accountability.
If Auburn can shore up its run defense and force opponents into more predictable down-and-distance situations, it would significantly enhance what is already a promising pass defense. The Tigers’ secondary returns several experienced players, including cornerback DJ James and safety Caleb Wooden, who have shown ball skills and awareness in coverage. But even the best secondary units can only do so much when they are forced to defend play-action or short-yardage situations repeatedly. Help from the front seven would let the secondary play more aggressively and create more turnover opportunities.
Another factor in this equation is tempo. Auburn’s offense under Hugh Freeze is built to play fast and score quickly. While that can put pressure on opposing defenses, it also means Auburn’s defense may find itself back on the field sooner than expected if the offense has a short drive. That reality makes it even more important that the defense gets off the field quickly and avoids prolonged drives that sap energy and wear down the depth chart. Being better on early downs—and particularly stopping the run—would be the most effective way to help both sides of the ball complement each other.
In terms of coaching, Ron Roberts has a strong reputation for creating aggressive and opportunistic defenses. His schemes often involve complex pressure looks and disguised coverages, and when executed properly, they can be highly disruptive. However, those same schemes require discipline and communication. Last season, there were moments when Auburn’s defense looked confused at the snap or slow to react to motion, leading to breakdowns that opened up running lanes. As Roberts enters his second year in charge, the expectation is that players will have a better grasp of the system and execute with more confidence.
Leadership on the field will be just as important as schematic adjustments. Auburn needs one or two players in the front seven to take full ownership of this issue. Someone who holds teammates accountable when they miss a gap, someone who sets the tone physically, and someone who communicates effectively with the secondary to ensure everyone is aligned. That type of leadership can’t always be coached—it must emerge organically from the locker room. If that voice exists and gets louder this summer, the Tigers’ run defense could take a big step forward in 2025.
There’s no question Auburn has the talent to compete in the SEC. The raw materials are in place. But to go from being a dangerous team to a consistent contender, the defense must close the gap—literally and figuratively—in the run game. They must become more physical at the point of attack, more disciplined in gap control, and more fundamentally sound in tackling. These aren’t glamorous corrections, but they’re the backbone of great defenses.
Looking at Auburn’s 2025 schedule, the margin for error will be slim. The Tigers face a gauntlet of SEC running backs and offensive lines, and any weakness in the trenches will be exposed. But if Roberts and his staff can solve this problem—if Auburn can become a team that forces more third-and-7 situations rather than third-and-2—the Tigers’ defense could be the difference between an eight-win season and one that challenges for the SEC West.
This fall will be a test of growth, not just for players but for the entire defensive system. The signs of progress are there. The personnel is stronger, the coaching staff is aligned, and the urgency is real. Now it’s about execution. Fixing the run defense won’t happen overnight, but if Auburn commits to it with the same intensity it shows in other phases, the payoff could define the Freeze era’s early success. Because in the SEC, stopping the run is not optional—it’s the foundation of everything.
