Three Things to Look For in Auburn’s A-Day Spring Game

The Auburn Tigers’ A-Day Spring Game is one of the most anticipated events of the college football offseason. As a program that has experienced significant changes in recent years—whether in terms of coaching, personnel, or schemes—the spring game provides an invaluable opportunity to catch an early glimpse of the team’s progress. For Auburn fans, it serves as a critical point of analysis for the upcoming season, offering a preview of key battles and new developments that could shape the trajectory of the program.

In 2025, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow, with Auburn coming off a transition year under new leadership, trying to define its identity and establish a competitive edge in the SEC. As the Tigers prepare to take the field in Jordan-Hare Stadium for their A-Day Spring Game, three main things should dominate the minds of fans and analysts alike. These three critical factors will shape the narrative heading into the fall and provide insights into the future of Auburn football.

1. The Quarterback Battle

As is often the case with most college football teams, the quarterback position is the focal point of attention during spring practice. Auburn is no different in 2025, as they are in the midst of a fierce competition for the starting spot. With the departure of former starter Robby Ashford and new coaching staff in place, head coach Hugh Freeze faces a pivotal decision about who will lead the Tigers’ offense.

The A-Day Spring Game will offer fans and coaches a firsthand look at who has the edge in the battle. Potential candidates, including Payton Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State, and Ashford, who still has a year of eligibility left, will be under scrutiny. Here are some key aspects to look out for when assessing the quarterback competition:

a. Accuracy and Decision-Making

Quarterback performance in the spring game is often judged based on two key factors: accuracy and decision-making. In the case of Payton Thorne, his ability to hit targets consistently and make the right decisions will be a major focus. Thorne brings experience from his time in the Big Ten, and while he may not be as mobile as Ashford, his arm strength and passing mechanics could provide the stability Auburn’s offense needs.

On the other hand, Ashford’s mobility will be crucial in this competition. Though he struggled with consistency in passing last year, his ability to extend plays with his legs could be a game-changer. However, as Auburn moves into a more structured offense under Hugh Freeze, it remains to be seen if Ashford’s improvisational style will fit into the system.

b. Command of the Offense

The quarterback’s ability to command the huddle, run the playbook, and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage will also be a significant indicator. With a new offensive coordinator and system, the quarterbacks will need to show a deep understanding of the playbook and how to execute Freeze’s offensive vision. A-quarterback that can command the offense with poise and precision in a chaotic, spring-game environment will have a leg up.

c. Leadership and Chemistry

While the A-Day game will showcase plenty of physical skills, the intangible qualities of leadership and chemistry with the offense should not be overlooked. Both Thorne and Ashford will need to demonstrate their ability to inspire confidence among the team and rally the offense when necessary. Auburn’s success this season could hinge on which quarterback builds the strongest rapport with the offensive line, receivers, and running backs.

The quarterback position will be a main storyline for Auburn fans to track throughout the spring, and the A-Day game could provide a crucial snapshot of the early favorite to take the reins in 2025.

2. The Defensive Line: Strength or Weakness?

Auburn has historically been known for its strong, physical defenses, and the defensive line has always been a cornerstone of that identity. However, in recent years, there have been questions about the depth and consistency of the Tigers’ front seven. With defensive coordinator Ron Roberts now at the helm of Auburn’s defense, A-Day will provide a crucial early opportunity to evaluate the defensive line’s potential.

The big question heading into 2025 is whether Auburn’s defensive front can bounce back and assert itself as a dominant force. Here’s what fans should focus on when watching the Tigers’ defensive line during the spring game:

a. Pass Rush Development

One of the most pressing concerns for Auburn’s defense in 2025 will be generating pressure on the quarterback. Last season, the Tigers struggled to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks, especially in SEC play. During the spring game, fans should pay close attention to how Auburn’s defensive line fares in terms of generating a pass rush.

Look for defensive ends and edge rushers to showcase their ability to get after the quarterback. Players like Colby Wooden and Marcus Harris will be critical in providing that spark off the edge. If Auburn can create consistent pressure without having to rely on blitzing, it would alleviate a lot of pressure on their secondary.

b. Depth and Rotation

Auburn’s defensive line depth will also be a major storyline during the A-Day game. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, how well does the defensive line rotate throughout the game? Are younger players like Jayson Jones and Lawrence Johnson able to step up and contribute, or will Auburn continue to rely heavily on their veterans?

The depth of the defensive line is crucial for Auburn’s long-term success, particularly in the SEC, where teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently feature strong offensive lines. A robust, deep defensive front will help the Tigers hold up throughout the grueling conference schedule.

c. Defensive Line Against the Run

Alongside the pass rush, another key aspect of Auburn’s defensive line play is how it handles the running game. The Tigers have traditionally been stout against the run, and maintaining that reputation will be critical in 2025. The spring game will give fans a chance to see how well the defensive line handles power running teams.

Will they be able to shed blocks effectively and make tackles in the backfield? How are they holding up against Auburn’s offensive line, which will be an area of strength for the team?

The spring game should offer some valuable insight into how well Auburn’s defensive line is shaping up, and whether the Tigers can expect to lean on their front seven as a strength in the upcoming season.

3. The Offensive Line: The Foundation of Success

No team can succeed without a strong offensive line, and for Auburn, 2025 will be a pivotal year in terms of offensive line development. Under Hugh Freeze’s new offensive system, the offensive line must provide solid protection for whichever quarterback emerges as the starter, while also opening running lanes for a group of talented but unproven running backs.

Auburn’s offensive line will be the key to whether the Tigers can be successful offensively this year. Here’s what to watch for during the A-Day game:

a. Pass Protection and Blocking Schemes

The first and most obvious concern is pass protection. With a quarterback competition underway, Auburn’s offensive line needs to keep the pocket clean and give its quarterbacks time to make plays. The A-Day game should provide a snapshot of how well the offensive line performs in this regard, particularly as they face the pressure of a defensive line trying to prove itself.

Additionally, Freeze’s offense will require effective blocking schemes, especially in zone running concepts and play-action setups. The offensive line’s ability to execute these schemes will be a major factor in how smoothly the offense operates in the regular season.

b. Run Blocking and Physicality

Another significant aspect of the offensive line is its ability to establish the run game. Auburn’s running backs are expected to be a key part of the offense, and that’s only possible if the offensive line can open up holes in the defense. The A-Day game should provide some clues as to whether Auburn’s line can create those running lanes with consistency.

Players like Keiondre Jones, Tate Johnson, and Austin Barber will need to showcase their ability to dominate in the trenches. Watch for how well they handle defensive line stunts, their engagement on double teams, and how they create movement at the line of scrimmage.

c. Depth and Position Battles

Finally, the depth of Auburn’s offensive line will be tested during the spring game. Auburn has some talented linemen, but they will need depth in order to compete over the course of a 12-game regular season, particularly in the demanding SEC. Look for position battles throughout the offensive line, especially at guard and tackle, where Auburn has some new faces trying to earn starting spots.

The A-Day Spring Game will give fans a glimpse into the future of the Tigers’ offensive line and how well they are adapting to the demands of Freeze’s system.

Auburn’s A-Day Spring Game is more than just a practice scrimmage—it’s an opportunity for fans, analysts, and coaches to get an early look at the team’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2025 season. The quarterback competition, defensive line play, and offensive line development will be the three main storylines to watch as Auburn continues its transition under Hugh Freeze. While the spring game may not provide definitive answers, it will undoubtedly offer a glimpse into the team’s potential and help set expectations for the upcoming fall campaign.