Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze shared his thoughts on redshirt freshman quarterback Hank Brown’s debut as the team’s starting QB1. Brown, who was chosen over returning starter Payton Thorne, made his first start this past weekend, and the decision appears to have paid off for Auburn’s offense. Brown, who earned the backup role during fall camp despite limited in-game experience, showed impressive form, bringing new energy to the Tigers’ offense.
Freeze praised Brown’s performance, noting his solid decision-making and the impact he had on the team. “I thought it was a solid night and decision-making was good,” Freeze said. After reviewing game film, Freeze made the call for Brown to start, with the potential for him to keep the job if his strong play continues. However, Freeze left the door open for changes if necessary, saying Brown’s performance could motivate the entire team. Brown will remain the starter for Auburn’s next game, but Freeze emphasized that the next few weeks, especially with tougher SEC competition, will determine the team’s future at the quarterback position.
Meanwhile, Auburn is looking to make a major recruiting move as 5-star Alabama wide receiver commit Caleb Cunningham is set to visit the Plains. The Tigers will face their first SEC opponent of the season, the Arkansas Razorbacks, this weekend at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Cunningham, the top recruit from Mississippi and the #3 wide receiver in the 2025 class, will be attending the game. Despite committing to Alabama earlier this summer, Auburn, along with other schools, has been working hard to flip Cunningham’s commitment.
This will be Cunningham’s first trip back to Auburn since his official visit in May, and it presents a significant opportunity for Auburn’s coaching staff. The visit is considered a crucial step in Auburn’s ongoing push to convince Cunningham to reconsider his decision and potentially flip to the Tigers. Auburn’s recruiting efforts, combined with the excitement of SEC football at Jordan-Hare Stadium, could make this a pivotal moment in the team’s pursuit of the 5-star wide receiver.
These developments highlight Auburn’s ongoing efforts both on the field and in recruiting, as they work to improve their quarterback situation and strengthen their roster for the future.