Auburn football is off to a roaring start in 2025 under head coach Hugh Freeze, and the Tigers look to keep that momentum rolling. After a dominant 42-3 victory over Ball State in Week 2, Auburn returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium for its second consecutive home game. This week, the Tigers will face in-state opponent South Alabama for the first-ever matchup between the two programs. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. CT on Saturday and will be televised on the SEC Network.
How Will Jackson Arnold Handle His Emotional Return to Oklahoma?
While Auburn’s 2-0 record is impressive, all eyes are on quarterback Jackson Arnold, the Oklahoma transfer who has quickly become the heart of the offense. His transition to the Plains has appeared seamless. In just two games, the sophomore has tallied 359 passing yards, 142 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Against Baylor in Week 1, he did most of his damage with his legs, running for 137 yards. The following week against Ball State, he showcased his arm, completing 24 of 28 passes for 251 yards and three scores. His efficiency has been a key part of Auburn’s early success.
Game 2. For the Auburn Family. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/iTef9bNA4X
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 9, 2025
However, an emotional storyline is looming. On September 20, Auburn travels to Norman to face Oklahoma, the team Arnold left to join the Tigers. When asked how his quarterback might handle the pressure of playing his former team, Freeze kept his focus on the immediate challenge. “We’ll talk about that next week. We’re worried about South Alabama right now. I’m sure it’ll be emotional… I’m sure he’ll handle it just fine,” Freeze said.
Looking ahead, but Hugh Freeze is asked how QB Jackson Arnold might handle going back to Oklahoma on Sept. 20…
“We’ll talk about that next week. We’re worried about South Alabama right now. I’m sure it’ll be emotional… I’m sure he’ll handle it just fine.”
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) September 10, 2025
That calm confidence has defined Arnold’s play so far. Many of his biggest runs have been improvisational, turning broken plays into positive gains by trusting his instincts. This poise will be tested not just by South Alabama, but by the highly anticipated trip to Oklahoma.
While Arnold has solidified his role as QB1, Auburn’s kicking situation remains a question mark. The uncertainty began when starting kicker Towns McGough injured his ankle on a missed 52-yard field goal attempt last weekend. His injury opened the door for Southern Miss transfer Connor Gibbs, who stepped in and immediately impressed, booming four straight touchbacks with significant hang time.
Despite the injury, Freeze previously stated he expected his starting kicker to be available for the upcoming game. “I think he’ll be OK this week,” the coach said in a prior press conference. Now, it appears the job is up for grabs. On Tuesday, Freeze confirmed that a kicking battle is officially underway. “Both Towns McGough and Connor Gibbs did well in Tuesday’s long-range kicking competition, but we haven’t made a decision yet,” Freeze explained. “They’ll kick again tomorrow.”
Hugh Freeze said both Towns McGough and Connor Gibbs did well in Tuesday’s long-range kicking competition, but said they haven’t made a decision yet
Added that they’ll kick again tomorrow
— Peter Rauterkus (@peter_rauterkus) September 10, 2025
This competition serves as a reminder that even on a team with a strong start, roster battles continue as the coaching staff looks to perfect every phase of the game before the grueling SEC schedule begins. As South Alabama comes to town, Auburn has another opportunity to strengthen its identity and build on its early success. If the Tigers can maintain their focus, they could head to Norman undefeated and ready to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
