🔥 Has the Iron Bowl Tide Turned? Finebaum Says Auburn’s Window Is Open

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.