Hugh Freeze Faces Cancer Diagnosis with Resilience and Optimism
In the world of college football, where the stakes are high and the pressure is relentless, Auburn’s head coach Hugh Freeze is facing a challenge that transcends the gridiron. Just three months after enduring his second consecutive losing season with the Auburn Tigers, Freeze received a life-altering diagnosis in February: prostate cancer.
In a candid conversation with ESPN, Freeze shared the emotional impact of hearing the word “cancer.” “At the time, the only thing you hear is that ‘C’ word,” he admitted. The initial shock was profound, and his thoughts immediately turned to his family, fearing more for them than for himself. However, after consulting with his doctors and receiving the encouraging news that his cancer was low aggressive, Freeze made a decision that reflects his faith and resilience. He has chosen to delay surgery and will instead wait until January for a reexamination.
“I’m only 55. We’re a family of faith, and I just didn’t feel like it was time to rush into surgery,” Freeze explained. “I’m at peace with it.”
As Freeze prepares for his third season at Auburn, he remains focused on the task at hand: rebuilding a football program that has struggled in recent years. Auburn last enjoyed a winning season in 2020, finishing 6-5, and has only surpassed eight wins twice since their national championship appearance in 2013. The Tigers ended last season with a 5-7 record.
Despite the challenges, Freeze is optimistic about the future. He has been vocal about the need for three full recruiting classes to restore Auburn to championship contention, and his efforts are paying off. His first two recruiting classes have both ranked in the top 10 nationally.
“I think it’s as settled as we’ve been as a program, the continuity of our staff, the pieces of our staff that we’ve added and what we’ve been able to do in building our roster in high school recruiting and in the portal,” Freeze said. “Now, we’ve got to go compete and win some more games, but I don’t feel any sense of panic.”
Freeze’s confidence is bolstered by the unwavering support of Auburn’s chancellor Christopher Roberts and athletic director John Cohen. In the era of name, image, and likeness, Auburn is committed to financially securing key players, with the 2025 roster’s payroll set to exceed $20 million.
One of the most significant additions to the team is quarterback Jackson Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma. Arnold, who was ESPN’s No. 2-ranked dual-threat quarterback prospect in the 2023 signing class, faced challenges last season but is eager for a fresh start at Auburn.
“One hundred percent, I needed a reset,” Arnold said. “It was just time to move on. I needed to go to a place where I was going to put myself in a better position.”
Arnold’s decision to join Auburn was influenced by Freeze’s reputation as an offensive-minded coach with a history of developing quarterbacks. Freeze plans to call the majority of plays this season, although new offensive coordinator Derrick Nix may also contribute. Freeze emphasized the importance of spending more time with the quarterbacks during practice.
“[Quarterbacks coach] Kent Austin is great,” Freeze said. “From fundamentals and coverage recognition and all that, he’s better than I am, but I think it’s vital that they’re hearing my thoughts.”
As spring practice concludes, Arnold is building a strong rapport with his receivers, a group that has seen significant improvement with the addition of transfers Eric Singleton Jr. from Georgia Tech and Horatio Fields from Wake Forest.
- Cam Coleman, who averaged 16.2 yards per catch and had eight touchdown receptions last year, is focused on consistency.
- Singleton’s speed complements Coleman’s ability to win one-on-one battles.
- Malcolm Simmons, returning for his sophomore season, caught 40 passes last year.
Arnold’s role is to “play point guard” and utilize his ability to extend plays. Auburn struggled offensively last season, finishing 14th in the SEC in scoring offense and 13th in third-down conversions. However, they were second in the league in yards per play, indicating potential for improvement.
Turnovers, missed third downs, and failed drives plagued the Tigers, but the return of kicker Alex McPherson offers hope for better field goal success.
Despite his cancer diagnosis, Freeze remains a source of inspiration for his team. Junior defensive end Keldric Faulk noted Freeze’s unwavering presence and energy, which has been contagious for the team.
“He’s out here every day, and it gives the whole team the sense that he cares,” Faulk said. “It gives us the confidence to just ride behind him.”
For Freeze, the diagnosis has been a reminder of life’s preciousness. “I don’t know. I think as much as anything it’s just been a reminder that every day is a gift,” he said. “That’s what I should be concerned about.”
Originally Written by: Chris Low
