The Auburn Tigers haven’t posted a winning season since 2020, which was Bryan Harsin’s second-to-last year at the helm. After his exit in 2023, Hugh Freeze took over but has yet to bring the program back to its mid-2000s prominence.
Offensive struggles have plagued the Tigers during Freeze’s tenure, but expectations are high heading into 2025. Auburn was aggressive in the transfer portal this offseason, landing several key additions—including former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold, who transferred from Oklahoma.
While Freeze has praised Arnold’s potential throughout spring practice, it’s another offensive newcomer who’s been turning heads. Wake Forest transfer wide receiver Horatio Fields has drawn rave reviews from Freeze, who recently called him a “home run” addition.
Freeze highlighted Fields’ ability to win contested catches and noted his standout performances in camp. The head coach believes Fields could be a dynamic complement to returning receivers Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, and Eric Singleton Jr.
Fields, a 2021 three-star recruit via 247Sports, had a breakout season last year, catching 39 passes for 463 yards and four touchdowns after totaling just three receptions over his first three seasons. At 6-foot-3, he finished second on the team in catches and yards and led in touchdowns.
Freeze is particularly excited about the potential pairing of Fields and fellow 6-foot-3 receiver Cam Coleman, who led Auburn in receiving in 2023 with 598 yards and eight touchdowns. Simmons and Singleton also return after combining for nearly 100 receptions last season.
However, much of Auburn’s offensive turnaround will hinge on Arnold’s performance. After a rocky 2024 season at Oklahoma—where he was benched mid-season but later reclaimed the starting job—he finished with 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns through the air, and three on the ground. All eyes will be on him to lead a revamped Auburn offense back to prominence in 2025.
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