The Southeastern 16 crew previews the 2025 Auburn football season and gives predictions for what’s ahead. Topics include:

So much depends on Oklahoma transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, a top-10 player in high school class whose 2024 season didn’t live up to expectations on an OU offense gutted by injury. Will a revitalized Arnold hit his ceiling in Hugh Freeze’s offense?

He’s helped by perhaps the best pass-catching duo the country in Cam Coleman and Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton, plus, the return of Malcom Simmons as a capable third wideout.

The Tigers return some experience at running back in Damani Austin and Jeremiah Cobb.

Auburn returns its middle-of-the-offensive-line starters in Dillon Wade, Connor Lew and Jeremiah Wright, plus talented tackle transfer Xavier Chaplin.

Auburn’s defense is led by end Keldric Faulk, a preseason All-SEC pick and a potential 2026 NFL first-rounder.

The Tigers return Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford off good 2024 seasons, and added another eight transfers who could see time on the two-deep, including Liberty’s Jay Hardy and Arkansas State’s Keyron Crawford.

Coach Hugh Freeze enters the season on the hot seat, and an interesting first-half of the schedule could have a lot to do with how things go for Freeze, who has his most talented Auburn team yet.