Press Conference: Freeze Addresses Offensive Struggles-Player Development | Auburn Football Podcast

Auburn Football fans — buckle up. Head Coach Hugh Freeze met with the media after Auburn’s narrow loss, and there’s no sugarcoating it: the Tigers are battered, frustrated, but not broken. The biggest news out of the presser is the devastating injury to center Connor Lew, who tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. Freeze called the setback “one of the toughest things about coaching,” emphasizing how much Lew’s leadership and intelligence meant to the offense. Freeze confirmed that freshman Kale Smith and Mason Short will both get reps at center this week as Auburn prepares for a crucial road trip to Fayetteville to face Arkansas. The coach also didn’t shy away from discussing the quarterback rotation, revealing that both Jackson and Ashford will get heavy reps in practice as the team searches for consistency and a spark on offense. Despite the disappointment, Freeze stayed firm in his message: Auburn is close. He pointed to the team’s effort, particularly on defense, and the fight his players showed against four top-15 opponents. He also highlighted the emergence of wide receiver Perry Thompson, praising his development and accountability after a key drop. As the Tigers continue to battle through adversity, Freeze’s tone made it clear — the details matter now more than ever. Every route depth, blocking angle, and missed opportunity will define whether Auburn finishes strong down the stretch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices