The Iron Bowl rivalry between Alabama and Auburn remains one of college football’s fiercest, but with Nick Saban’s retirement after a legendary run—six national titles and a 12-5 record against Auburn—many wonder if the Tigers can seize control of the state.
On The Paul Finebaum Show, the longtime SEC analyst tackled the question: Will Auburn rise now that Kalen DeBoer is at the helm in Tuscaloosa?
“There isn’t a lot of evidence to support that, yet,” Finebaum admitted. “But when a legendary coach leaves, it opens a window—if the other school has the right coach.”
That “right coach” could be Hugh Freeze, but he has yet to post a winning season in his two years at Auburn. Still, the Tigers are building momentum, landing the No. 6 recruiting class and No. 8 transfer portal class (247Sports), highlighted by key additions like QB Jackson Arnold (1,421 yards, 12 TDs at Oklahoma) and WR Eric Singleton Jr. (754 yards, 3 TDs at Georgia Tech).
Auburn has come close to toppling Alabama twice under Freeze, including the heartbreaking 2023 “Fourth-and-31” loss, but they’ll need more to end the Crimson Tide’s five-game winning streak.
For now, the power still seems to reside in Tuscaloosa—but the door may finally be ajar.
🔥 Has the Iron Bowl Tide Turned? Finebaum Says Auburn’s Window Is Open
