The Iron Bowl rivalry between Alabama and Auburn remains one of college football’s most heated battles. With Alabama legend Nick Saban retiring after the 2023 season, questions loom about whether Auburn can seize control of the state’s college football landscape.
Saban’s tenure from 2007 to 2023 transformed Alabama into a powerhouse, delivering six national championships and a 12-5 record against Auburn. Now, Kalen DeBoer takes the reins in Tuscaloosa, while Hugh Freeze looks to revive Auburn’s program.
On The Paul Finebaum Show, the SEC Network analyst addressed whether Saban’s departure creates an opening for Auburn to dominate.
“There isn’t a lot of evidence for that yet,” Finebaum said. “But historically, when a legendary coach leaves, it does give the rival school a chance—if they have the right coach in place.”
That’s the big question for Auburn: Is Freeze the man to capitalize? Though he hasn’t posted a winning season in his first two years on the Plains, optimism is building. Auburn recently locked down the nation’s No. 6 recruiting class and ranked No. 8 in transfer portal additions, per 247Sports. Key newcomers include former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, who threw for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and ex-Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who tallied 754 yards and three scores.
Auburn has come painfully close to upsetting Alabama in recent years. In 2023, they lost on a stunning fourth-and-31 touchdown with just 32 seconds left. Last season, they trailed just 14-6 at halftime before falling 28-14.
As the 2025 season approaches, the question remains: Has Auburn’s moment finally arrived, or will the Crimson Tide keep control of the Iron Bowl and the state?
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