According to a Florida writer In addition to hiring Jackson Arnold, Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze “did not do much else.”

When Hugh Freeze landed former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold through the transfer portal this offseason, it sent shockwaves across the college football landscape. Arnold, who was previously a prized recruit at Oklahoma, represents the kind of elite quarterback talent Auburn has long coveted. However, not everyone has been sold on the entirety of Freeze’s offseason performance.

A recent column by a Florida-based sportswriter took a pointed jab at Freeze, stating that “aside from hiring Jackson Arnold, Hugh Freeze did not do much else.” The remark has sparked heated debate across SEC circles. Is this a fair assessment, or an oversimplification of a more complex reality?

Let’s break down Freeze’s offseason—both the headline moves and the overlooked ones—and examine whether the Florida writer’s critique holds any water.

There’s no denying that Jackson Arnold was the marquee addition to Auburn’s 2025 roster. After a freshman year at Oklahoma in which he flashed his dual-threat capabilities but never fully seized the starting job, Arnold entered the portal seeking a fresh start.

Freeze, desperate to upgrade the quarterback position following an underwhelming season from Payton Thorne and Holden Geriner, made Arnold his top target—and closed the deal. The former Elite 11 MVP instantly gives Auburn a dynamic presence under center who can threaten defenses with both his arm and legs.

Arnold’s arrival alone would elevate any team’s profile. For a program trying to climb back into SEC contention, this move was more than symbolic—it was foundational.

But what came after?

The Florida writer’s statement wasn’t entirely made in a vacuum. Critics point to several key areas where Auburn was expected to be aggressive and weren’t:

• Transfer Portal Additions: Outside of Arnold, Auburn’s portal haul has been underwhelming compared to teams like LSU, Texas, or even Kentucky. The Tigers missed out on several high-profile targets at wide receiver and offensive line.
• Wide Receiver Room Still Lacking: Despite a promising crop of young receivers, the Tigers failed to add an established No. 1 option. They swung and missed on former Alabama wideout Isaiah Bond, who chose Texas, and failed to land any top-tier replacements.
• Offensive Line Remains Thin: After Freeze’s comments about “fixing the trenches,” the offensive line additions did not match the rhetoric. While there were depth pieces brought in, none were considered impact starters.
• Defensive Depth Unresolved: Linebacker and safety remain question marks, with Freeze’s staff unable to bring in top-end help at either position. They did retain some key veterans, but portal misses loomed large.

From that lens, the Florida writer’s point—that Freeze hasn’t done “much else”—isn’t entirely unfounded. In the high-stakes arms race of SEC football, especially under the current transfer portal era, standing still is often the same as falling behind.

That said, freezing Freeze’s offseason narrative around one player is a narrow approach. There were several strategic, if less flashy, moves made to bolster the program’s foundation.

One of Freeze’s quiet victories was keeping much of Auburn’s defensive core intact. Star defensive lineman Marcus Harris returned for another season, resisting NFL Draft temptation. Veteran corner D.J. James and linebacker Eugene Asante also stayed, offering leadership and production.

In an era where elite talent jumps ship at the first hint of adversity, Freeze deserves credit for keeping key pieces invested.

Sources inside the Auburn program speak glowingly about the strides made by young players like running back Jeremiah Cobb, receiver Malcolm Simmons, and safety Terrance Love. While Freeze didn’t make massive portal splashes, he’s doubling down on development—a throwback strategy in today’s transient college football climate.

Some fans may be impatient, but cultivating homegrown talent could pay dividends in 2025 and beyond.

Another under-the-radar move was Freeze’s quiet reshuffling of his offensive staff. Though not widely publicized, Auburn brought in new analysts with Power Five play-calling experience and elevated several rising coaches to full-time roles. The goal: to maximize Arnold’s abilities and craft a more modern, adaptable offense.

Freeze has long been known for his quarterback whispering. With the right minds around Arnold, the Tigers could unleash a potent attack.

Freeze entered this offseason with two clear goals on the recruiting front: keep the 2025 class intact and accelerate 2026 momentum.

On one hand, Auburn did lose a few targets to in-state rival Alabama, including five-star lineman Micah DeBose. However, the Tigers have also positioned themselves well with several elite targets, including:

• 5-star WR Caleb Cunningham
• 4-star EDGE Zion Grady
• 4-star OT Ja’Mori Maclin

Freeze has focused on building strong relationships with high school coaches, particularly in Georgia and Florida, which bodes well for long-term recruiting sustainability. The 2025 class currently ranks in the top 15 nationally, and the 2026 cycle has the potential to break into the top 10.

So while not a recruiting splash this offseason, the groundwork is being laid.

It’s easy to measure portal additions and recruiting classes. What’s harder—but perhaps more important—is assessing cultural progress.

When Freeze arrived, the program was coming off back-to-back losing seasons, a fractured locker room, and NIL disarray. Since then:

• Player morale is up. Reports from spring camp indicate a more focused, unified team environment.
• NIL is more organized. Freeze helped facilitate partnerships that stabilize Auburn’s NIL landscape, helping retain current talent.
• Fan optimism is back. The spring game drew a larger crowd than anticipated, and season ticket renewals are reportedly ahead of pace.

None of these show up on a depth chart—but they matter in a rebuild.

Let’s be clear—2025 is not a “wait and see” season. Auburn boosters and fans expect real results in Year 2.

The schedule offers opportunity:

• Winnable non-conference games
• Early SEC home matchups vs. Mississippi State and Arkansas
• A chance to challenge Alabama and Georgia with a star QB

Jackson Arnold’s success will define Freeze’s second season. But he’ll need more than a great quarterback. He’ll need consistency from a suspect offensive line, emergence from the WR group, and a defense that bends without breaking.

If Freeze can deliver an 8+ win season and knock off a ranked opponent, that Florida writer’s comment will look hasty.

If not? Auburn may be shopping again in 2026.

So, did Hugh Freeze really “not do much else” besides landing Jackson Arnold?

The answer lies in what metrics you value. If splashy portal wins and viral recruiting graphics define offseason success, then yes—Freeze’s spring fell short of SEC arms-race standards.

But if you value culture building, talent development, and long-term sustainability, there’s a case to be made that Freeze laid a quiet, strategic foundation. Arnold was the headliner, yes—but he wasn’t the only headline.

Still, in the results-driven world of SEC football, strategic groundwork only matters if it leads to wins. Freeze’s second year at Auburn will determine whether his offseason was merely quiet—or quietly brilliant.