'Hugh Freeze is full of sh*t': Alabama's all-time passing leader rips rival Auburn's head coach after slow recruiting start
Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron took the chance to deliver a big swing against rival Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Last week, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze assessed the recruiting landscape, noting that the Tigers are adhering to the House v. NCAA settlement guidelines, while suggesting some competitors might […]
Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron took the chance to deliver a big swing against rival Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
Last week, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze assessed the recruiting landscape, noting that the Tigers are adhering to the House v. NCAA settlement guidelines, while suggesting some competitors might not be. His comments drew criticism from McCarron, who called out Freeze, claiming the pressure is mounting due to Auburn’s recruiting struggles through the 2026 cycle.
Despite Freeze’s optimism about a turnaround, McCarron, on his podcast “The Dynasty,” dismissed Freeze’s remarks as excuses for Auburn’s challenges. Co-host Chris Stewart asked McCarron how it felt to see Alabama thrive in recruiting while Auburn lagged.
“Hugh Freeze is full of shit,” McCarron said. “I think Hugh Freeze is trying to do whatever he can to save face. He’s starting to feel pressure at Auburn – going into his third year, not having the success that the alumni, the boosters, everybody donating a lot of money thought he would have by this point. I think he’s trying to figure out and scramble on why they are not successful.”
McCarron highlighted the inconsistency of Freeze’s first two seasons at Auburn. With the $20.5 million cap imposed by the NCAA settlement, Freeze emphasized prioritizing player retention over signing a large high school class, particularly at positions like wide receiver, while following Auburn’s interpretation of the settlement.
Although Auburn secured back-to-back Top-10 recruiting classes, ranked No. 8 nationally each year under Freeze, their 2026 class ranks outside the Top 70. Meanwhile, Alabama boasts a Top-5 class with five five-star recruits. McCarron suggested Alabama’s dominance in the state adds further pressure on Freeze.
“The state of Alabama is ran by Alabama fans, Alabama alumni,” McCarron said. “Whether you like it or not – and I’ve never been one to just absolutely hate on Auburn. Hell, I’ve caught hell from Alabama fans for cheering for some of my friends that played at Auburn. If you are from the state of Alabama, I think it is dumb for you not to sing with the University of Alabama. Your avenue for success with life after football is a lot greater – bigger, however you want to describe it – I think, with being an ex-Alabama football player compared to Auburn.”