Greg McElroy on Auburn’s Chances for a Winning Season in 2025: ‘I Love It, the Tigers Are Built to Rise’

When Greg McElroy speaks about college football, fans across the SEC listen. The former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback turned respected ESPN analyst has never been one to offer false hope. So, when McElroy recently expressed his excitement about Auburn’s chances to post a winning season in 2025, it turned heads — not just for the optimism, but for the conviction behind his words: “I love it,” he said. “They’re close. Really close.”

That endorsement is more than just lip service. It comes at a time when Auburn is looking to regain its footing as a true SEC West contender. Following a rollercoaster 2024 season that saw flashes of promise and bouts of inconsistency, there is cautious belief on The Plains. And now, with McElroy publicly on board, that belief may be evolving into something stronger — momentum.

The 2025 Auburn Tigers aren’t without their question marks. But under Hugh Freeze, the program has begun to take on a new identity — one that emphasizes physicality, speed on defense, and a quarterback room no longer in turmoil. For McElroy, who knows what it takes to win in this conference, that mix might be just right.

“I look at what Freeze has done this offseason, and I just think this is a team poised to take a step,” McElroy said during a recent SEC Network segment. “They were a few plays away from flipping the script in 2024. And if a couple of those breaks go the other way this year, you’re looking at an eight- or nine-win team.”

That’s a bold projection for a squad that finished last season with just six wins and missed out on the upper tier of the conference. But McElroy is adamant that metrics and margin-of-error games tell a deeper story than just the final win column. He cites the near-upset of Alabama in the Iron Bowl, a narrow road loss to LSU, and a mid-season defensive surge as markers of a team knocking on the door.

Much of Auburn’s 2025 outlook depends on stability under center. After two years of quarterback carousel chaos, Freeze and offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery believe they’ve finally found their guy. Sophomore Walker White — the highly touted recruit who redshirted in 2024 — has emerged as a legitimate leader. And more importantly, he’s earned the locker room.

“White gives them a dynamic playmaker,” McElroy noted. “He’s not just a runner, and he’s not just a thrower. He’s the kind of dual-threat who can keep defenses honest. That opens up so much of the playbook for Freeze, and we know what he can do when the quarterback is right.”

Indeed, Freeze’s track record with quarterbacks is well established — from his days with Bo Wallace and Chad Kelly at Ole Miss to Malik Willis at Liberty. Each of those players saw career-best numbers in his system, and Auburn fans are hoping White is next in line.

Of course, the Tigers’ offensive potential doesn’t hinge solely on the quarterback. The return of star running back Damari Alston, who flirted with the transfer portal but ultimately stayed loyal, provides another spark. Alston is expected to lead a deep backfield, complemented by freshman standout J’Kobi McCoy and veteran Jarquez Hunter, assuming he returns healthy.

Up front, the offensive line — a consistent sore spot in recent years — finally appears solidified. The additions of two key transfers, including former Miami tackle Zion Nelson, have added both size and experience. McElroy called the line “a quiet strength” and said he expects noticeable improvement in both pass protection and short-yardage situations.

Defensively, the Tigers may have their best unit in five years. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts’ scheme began to click late last season, and the core of that group is back. The defensive line, anchored by Marcus Harris and LSU transfer Quency Wiggins, is expected to be one of the deepest in the SEC. The linebackers, led by Eugene Asante, bring both speed and leadership. But it’s the secondary where Auburn truly shines, boasting perhaps the most versatile group in the conference with DJ James, Keionte Scott, and Kayin Lee.

“I think this defense can be special,” McElroy said. “They don’t just have experience — they’ve got game-wreckers. Guys who can change momentum with one play.”

Still, nothing is guaranteed in the SEC, especially not in the West, which remains as brutal as ever. Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss all look formidable on paper. Even Texas A&M and Arkansas appear more focused entering 2025. Auburn’s schedule includes road trips to Athens and Tuscaloosa, and a home date with Oklahoma looms large.

But McElroy believes the culture is shifting. “What Freeze is doing reminds me of what Sam Pittman did early at Arkansas or even what Brian Kelly accomplished quickly at LSU,” he said. “He’s building buy-in. The locker room believes they can win. And that’s step one.”

Perhaps more than X’s and O’s, Auburn’s biggest transformation might be intangible. The swagger is back. The spring game saw the largest turnout in five years. Recruits are noticing, too. Auburn’s 2025 class ranks in the top ten nationally, highlighted by five-star edge rusher Jamal Bridges and top-100 quarterback Adrian Maddox. For the first time in years, the Tigers are winning battles on the trail against both Alabama and Georgia.

Those recruiting wins help build a pipeline. But in the short term, it’s the current roster that will determine Auburn’s fate in 2025. And for the first time in a while, there’s genuine confidence across the board — not just from inside the program, but from analysts and opponents alike.

“Auburn’s always dangerous when they’re doubted,” McElroy added. “We’ve seen it time and time again. They go from being written off to being in Atlanta. I’m not saying that happens this year. But would I be shocked if it did? Not at all.”

That kind of praise carries weight, especially from an Alabama alum. McElroy is a realist, not a hype man. His confidence in Auburn reflects a growing sentiment that Freeze’s second full season may be the breakout campaign Tiger fans have been waiting for.

Ultimately, success in 2025 won’t come easy. Freeze will have to navigate the nation’s toughest division, develop a young quarterback, and find consistency in a league that punishes even the slightest weaknesses. But for the first time since the Gus Malzahn era, Auburn looks ready to fight from the opening kickoff.

And if Greg McElroy is right — if his gut feeling about the Tigers is on point — then Jordan-Hare Stadium might be the site of something special this fall.

As McElroy put it best: “I love it. I love where they’re headed. They’re not there yet — but man, they’re close. And in this league, close can turn into something big in a hurry.”

With belief returning and the pieces seemingly in place, Auburn’s 2025 season could be defined not by what they’re running from — but what they’re finally running toward.