In the latest of a series highlighting key players and coaches ahead of Auburn football’s 2025 season, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze has been vocal about the expectations he faces this upcoming season.

Feeling the pressure of conducting a bowl winning season, Freeze shared the areas in the Tigers roster he’s watching ahead of the 2025 campaign.

“It starts up front with the offensive and defensive line,” Freeze said at Jimmy Rane’s annual charity banquet last Thursday. “I do believe we added some good pieces there.”

The Tigers defensive line is one its strongest position groups on the roster headlined by 2026 NFL Draft prospect Keldric Faulk. Returning starters Malik Blocton and Quientrail Jamison-Travis will command the interior.

The Tigers added experienced transfers such as Zykeivous Walker, James Ash and Jay Hardy to the defensive line. Those veterans will be key in the development of Jourdin Crawford, Malik Autry, Jared Smith and Antonio Coleman, who are all true freshmen.

“Hopefully we can stay healthy, create pressure and stop the run,” Freeze added.

Auburn’s offensive line returns four of its five starters, while adding two starters at their previous stops through the transfer portal.

Xavier Chaplin was an All-ACC Honorable Mention last season with Virgina Tech. He and Mason Murphy are expected to start at the two tackle positions with the experienced trio of Dillon Wade, Connor Lew and Jeremiah Wright controlling the inside.

“We want to protect our quarterbacks on the offensive front and run the ball,” Freeze said. “You run the ball and average three yards a rush you got a good shot. All our success this season starts with the offensive line.”

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].