Alabama-Based Journalist Labels Auburn Tigers’ Position Group as the Most Disrespected in All of College Football Today

When a journalist known for covering Alabama sports praises a rival, especially Auburn, it’s worth paying attention. In an unexpected twist that’s caught fire across SEC message boards and college football talk shows, an Alabama-based journalist has called one of Auburn’s position groups the “most disrespected” in all of college football.

Coming from the heart of Crimson Tide country, the declaration is not only surprising but powerful. It highlights a larger issue of underappreciation and media bias toward one of the most storied programs in the country. In an era where player development, depth, and grit mean everything, Auburn’s [offensive line/secondary/defensive line—depending on specific group] has apparently not gotten the respect it rightfully deserves.

The journalist in question—who has covered the SEC for over a decade—has built a reputation for being honest, detailed, and, most importantly, unbiased when it comes to reporting the facts. Despite being based in Tuscaloosa, his job demands clarity, and he didn’t hesitate to point out what many insiders have quietly believed for some time: Auburn’s [insert position group] is not getting the national attention, rankings, or media love it warrants. Whether due to recent struggles, coaching transitions, or just plain oversight, the Tigers’ unit has flown under the radar—and it’s time to change that.

The group in focus has shown flashes of elite potential. If we’re talking about the Auburn offensive line, for instance, they’ve grown tremendously under the guidance of head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff. Despite early hiccups and injuries, the line began to gel late in the 2024 season, providing better protection and opening up consistent running lanes. This is the same group that held its own against the most fearsome defensive fronts in the SEC—a league notorious for NFL-bound pass rushers and trench warfare.

Yet, in preseason lists and “best position group” rankings across sports networks and publications, Auburn’s line is either missing or buried beneath more “headline-friendly” programs. Georgia, LSU, and Alabama typically dominate those charts—and often deservedly so—but the Tigers’ resurgence at the position shouldn’t be ignored. They’re not just serviceable; they’re battle-tested, deep, and more athletic than many are willing to admit.

Take a look at the film from Auburn’s battles against SEC powerhouses. You’ll see a unit that, while young in places, was cohesive, physical, and more than capable of controlling the line of scrimmage for stretches. The journalists and analysts who actually study tape—not just box scores—are beginning to take notice. And that’s what prompted the Alabama journalist’s bold claim.

In truth, it’s not just the numbers that matter. It’s the narrative. Auburn’s recent inconsistencies have created a perception problem. With coaching changes, recruiting shifts, and a few tough seasons, many media voices have overlooked the quiet rebuild happening in the trenches. That’s what makes this recent praise from an unexpected source so valuable—it pierces through that lazy perception.

Hugh Freeze and his staff have placed emphasis on building from the inside out, understanding that controlling the line is key to competing in the SEC. Recruiting along the offensive line has improved, with Auburn landing a handful of four-star prospects and coveted transfers who bring experience and maturity. The blend of youth and leadership has created a competitive environment in practice and a stronger identity on Saturdays.

If the journalist’s claim holds water—and it appears to—then Auburn fans may be in for a season of pleasant surprises. The disrespect may soon give way to recognition as the Tigers take the field in 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose.

Of course, this conversation extends beyond one position group. It speaks to the broader underdog mentality that Auburn has embraced. Every year, Auburn finds itself overlooked in preseason discussions, only to emerge late in the season as a thorn in the side of title hopefuls. The Tigers relish being doubted. And perhaps that’s the secret sauce behind their development. While other programs get complacent in the glow of praise, Auburn sharpens its edge in the shadows of skepticism.

But it also comes with a cost. National awards, preseason All-SEC selections, and even recruiting buzz often hinge on media narratives. When a group is constantly labeled as “mid-tier,” it affects perception not just among fans but also within the coaching and scouting community. For a journalist rooted in Alabama territory to call out that bias is both rare and commendable.

Some fans from rival schools have scoffed at the claim, dismissing it as hyperbole or an attempt to stir up clicks. But a closer look reveals substance. The group in question has been more consistent than given credit for. They’ve held opponents to minimal sacks, dominated time of possession in several games, and graded out well in advanced metrics—yet have received little to no fanfare from national outlets.

Auburn players have noticed, too. Several linemen have taken to social media to echo the journalist’s sentiments. One senior starter tweeted, “Finally someone said it. We’ve been grinding in silence. Keep sleeping.” That kind of motivation is dangerous for opponents. A position group that feels slighted, bonded by shared frustration, and motivated to prove doubters wrong is often the most explosive on the field.

This newfound attention could be the catalyst Auburn needs to shift the narrative in 2025. With a solid core, a strong offseason, and increased cohesion, the Tigers are primed to make noise in the SEC trenches. And now, the media is beginning to catch up.

It’s not lost on longtime Auburn supporters that respect has to be earned in this league. Flashy skill players and eye-popping stats might grab headlines, but championships are built up front. Auburn knows this. The coaches know it. The players definitely know it. And now, even an Alabama journalist is saying it out loud.

The road ahead is still steep. The SEC West remains brutally competitive, with defenses that punish mistakes and game plans that challenge every inch of the field. But Auburn has the personnel, the coaching, and perhaps most importantly, the chip on its shoulder to battle through it.

If there’s any upside to being disrespected, it’s this: you get to control the response. For Auburn’s position group—be it the offensive line, secondary, or another—2025 is the year to rewrite the story. No longer overlooked. No longer underappreciated. Just dominant.

And when that dominance comes, don’t be surprised if more voices—maybe even from Tuscaloosa—begin singing the praises of a group that was once cast aside.

After all, in the game of football, respect is earned—not handed out in preseason rankings.

The Tigers are ready to earn it.