A number of school soccer applications are hoping for a revival in 2025 after experiencing a number of poor seasons. Amongst these applications is the storied Auburn Tigers.
Traditionally, the Tigers have been one of many strongest groups within the SEC, boasting eight convention championships and two nationwide championships. Their most up-to-date nationwide title got here in 2010, they usually additionally reached the championship sport in 2013, solely to lose to the Florida State Seminoles within the closing seconds.
Nevertheless, Auburn has been going by a troublesome interval. The workforce has confronted 4 consecutive shedding seasons and has struggled to win greater than six video games in 5 straight seasons. Since their nationwide championship run in 2013, they’ve solely achieved one 10-win season and are on their third head coach.
Hugh Freeze, the most recent coach, started his tenure earlier than the 2023 season. On “The Paul Finebaum Present,” SEC Community analyst Paul Finebaum expressed his disappointment with Freeze’s efficiency to this point but in addition acknowledged a number of challenges which have hindered him from the start. “Let’s be sincere, it has been considerably of a catastrophe,” Finebaum mentioned. “Though, as Freeze and definitely John Cohen have satisfied everybody who will hear, they inherited an entire and utter dumpster hearth, which is correct. However, sooner or later, it’s important to begin profitable.”
A big problem that Hugh Freeze inherited was the shortage of recruiting at Auburn in the course of the three lessons previous to his arrival. The workforce had a median rating of No. 19 within the nation for the 2021-23 recruiting lessons. Nevertheless, within the two recruiting lessons since Freeze took over, the Tigers have achieved back-to-back prime 10 finishes.
Moreover, Auburn has made strides within the switch portal. In 2022, they completed ranked No. 26 in switch portal rankings, though 247Sports’ rankings don’t prolong past that yr. Throughout Freeze’s first offseason, the Tigers completed with a powerful No. 5 rating, adopted by an No. 8 rating this season.
The Tigers are optimistic in regards to the progress they count on to see this upcoming season as they purpose to return to championship type.
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