The question is, should we panic? This is the truth!
Yes, one may panic but not full panic yet. Auburn’s off season has been a little messy. Hugh Freeze is a proven coach, but the Tigers’ roster still has holes, and the SEC isn’t getting any easier. Losing to Cal in 2023 was bad. Struggling to land elite recruits while Georgia and Alabama reload is worse.
The defense should be solid, but the offense? Payton Thorne must take a massive leap, or Auburn will be stuck in 7-5 purgatory. If they start 2-2 (vs. Alabama A&M, Cal, Arkansas, Oklahoma), panic buttons will be smashed. Right now? Mild concern is justified.
Kalen DeBoer at Alabama was supposed to be a rebuild. Instead, it’s a reload losing Saban hurt, but DeBoer’s offensive genius is already showing. Jalen Milroe is a perfect fit for his system—dynamic, athletic, and improving as a passer. Plus, the transfer portal additions (WR Germie Bernard, OT Kadyn Proctor) fill critical gaps.
DeBoer’s track record speaks for itself: 25-3 at Washington, a title game appearance, and an elite QB developer. The SEC is brutal, but if anyone can keep Bama in playoff contention immediately, it’s him. The Tide aren’t going anywhere.
The viral story about Michigan football using fake money in recruiting visits? It’s real—but not as scandalous as it sounds. Multiple schools (including Ohio State and Oregon) have used prop cash in photoshoots to symbolize NIL opportunities. It’s a marketing tactic, not an actual payment.
The outrage is overblown. Does it look silly? Sure. Is it against the rules? No. The real issue is the NCAA’s lack of clear NIL regulations, leading to gimmicks like this. Until there’s real reform, expect more schools to get creative (and borderline ridiculous).
The growing trend of college football coaches playing golf with recruits? It’s pointless. Sure, it’s a relationship-building activity, but let’s be real—most 18-year-old recruits don’t care about golf. They care about playing time, development, and (let’s be honest) NIL money.
Golf outings are a PR move, not a game-changer. If a recruit picks a school because of a fun round of golf? That program has bigger problems.
Auburn should be *concerned*, not panicked. DeBoer is proving he’s the real deal. Fake cash is a silly but harmless gimmick. And golf recruiting? Overrated. The real drama is just getting started
