Auburn football is just a day away from officially starting Year 2 of the Hugh Freeze era.

The Tigers take on Alabama A&M on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

It’s game that Auburn is expected to win with relative ease, but it’s an opportunity for fans and viewers to see many of Auburn’s new pieces in action.

Before the season kicks off, let’s take a look at which players could define this season for Auburn.

Newcomer of the Year: Cam Coleman

Coleman would qualify for both newcomer and freshman of year, and for good reason.

The freshman wide receiver from Phenix City was Auburn’s second-highest ranked recruit of all time and was the talk of the offseason. He was one of seven new receivers Auburn signed during the offseason but was arguably the biggest standout during spring and fall camp.

The offense needs him to standout too. Auburn had the worst passing offense in the SEC in 2023. Retaining starting quarterback Payton Thorne, Auburn needs its new receivers to step up.

Others considered: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Jerrin Thompson, Robert Lewis

Breakout Star: Rivaldo Fairweather

There’s a handful of players that have a strong argument for this one, but Fairweather stands out.

He was Auburn’s best pass catcher in 2023 and one of the only contributors in the passing game to return. Fairweather was somewhat of a safety net for Payton Thorne during fall camp, and that might be the case during the season too.

With defenses having to pay more attention to Auburn’s receivers this season, Fairweather has an opportunity to break out.

Others considered: Robert Lewis, Kayin Lee, Payton Thorne

Best Lineman: Connor Lew

Auburn’s offensive line has become one of the team’s biggest question marks going into the season opener.

There’s still some uncertainty around what the left side of the offensive line will look like, but none whatsoever about the center position.

Lew has that job secured and enters 2024 as the leader of the group. Freeze sung his praises on multiple occasions during fall camp and his leadership and stability will be crucial this season.

Others considered: Keldric Faulk, Isaiah Raikes, Dillon Wade

Offensive MVP: Jarquez Hunter

Another spot where multiple players have a solid argument to feature, but Hunter is the safest choice.

While most of the offseason attention was directed towards Auburn’s new wide receivers, Hunter earned Preseason First Team All-SEC honors.

Hunter called the lack of attention towards Auburn’s running backs “very disrespectful” during fall camp. While the attention towards the receivers is understandable, no one on Auburn’s offense is as proven as Hunter.

He rushed for 865 yards and seven touchdowns last season and has been one of the offense’s few bright spots over the last two seasons.

Others considered: Cam Coleman, Payton Thorne, KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Defensive MVP: Eugene Asante

Asante enters 2024 as the outspoken leader of the Auburn defense. He emerged as a key player in 2023, leading the team with 86 total tackles.

The defense’s production, in many ways, begins and ends with Asante. He can impact the game in multiple ways and his leadership will be important with a handful of new starters on defense.

Others considered: Keldric Faulk, Jerrin Thompson, Jalen McLeod

Special Teams MVP: Oscar Chapman

Alex McPherson could’ve easily earned the nod here, but due to his return date still being unclear, Chapman is a safer choice.

Chapman is one of the team’s most experienced players, handling punting duties for each of the last four seasons. He was a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award in 2022 and finished fourth in the SEC in average punt yards in each of the last two seasons.

In 50/50 games, field position often goes a long way and an experienced punter like Chapman has the ability to impact those games.

Others considered: Alex McPherson, Towns McGough, Keionte Scott