BREAKING: Hugh Freeze Makes Fresh and Final Declaration on His QB Situation Entering the 2025 Season
In a move that sent shockwaves through the SEC and beyond, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze stepped to the podium Thursday morning and made what he called a “fresh and final declaration” on the quarterback position entering the 2025 college football season.
With speculation swirling for months, Freeze put all doubts to rest: sophomore sensation Caleb Simmons will be Auburn’s starting quarterback this fall.
“This isn’t a competition anymore,” Freeze stated, his voice firm, his eyes scanning the packed media room. “Caleb is our guy. He’s earned it—on the field, in the weight room, in the film room. He gives us the best chance to win, and I’m done hedging about it.”
The decision comes after a fiercely contested spring and summer quarterback battle between Simmons, redshirt junior Holden Geriner, and incoming 5-star freshman Malik Dorsey. Simmons, who dazzled Tiger fans last season in limited action—most notably during his clutch fourth-quarter comeback against Texas A&M—solidified his grip on the starting job with a dominant spring game performance, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns while showcasing an evolved command of Freeze’s fast-paced, RPO-heavy offense.
“He’s grown,” Freeze said. “Not just physically, but mentally. He’s reading defenses faster, trusting his protection, and showing leadership that you can’t coach. It was time to remove all doubt and give him the confidence and clarity to lead this team.”
Sources inside the program had hinted for weeks that Simmons was pulling ahead, but Freeze’s trademark reluctance to declare a starter had kept the competition narrative alive. That changed abruptly this morning, with Freeze making it clear there would be no further debate.
The announcement sets the tone for what Freeze is calling “a statement season” for Auburn, which finished 9-4 last year and returns a top-15 defense, a deep receiver corps, and a new-look offensive line. Freeze believes Simmons is the final piece to unlock a championship-caliber offense.
“Caleb is electric,” said offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who joined the staff in January. “He reminds me of a young Russell Wilson—poise, precision, and the ability to extend plays without panicking.”
Reactions from Auburn players were immediate and positive. Senior wideout Trevon Griggs posted on X (formerly Twitter): “QB1. Been knew. Let’s ride.” Meanwhile, Dorsey and Geriner have reportedly accepted the decision with maturity, though sources indicate one of them may enter the transfer portal before fall camp.
As Freeze closed the press conference, he left no ambiguity: “We’re done playing musical chairs at quarterback. Caleb Simmons is the future of Auburn football, and the future starts now.”
With that, the 2025 SEC season just got a lot more interesting.
