The 2023 season for Auburn football under Hugh Freeze wasn't just disappointing on the field - it was a reflection of deeper issues behind closed doors. And now, as details begin to surface about what was really going on inside the Tigers' locker room, it’s clear the dysfunction ran far deeper than a few missed assignments or schematic breakdowns.
When new head coach Alex Golesh began peeling back the layers, what he reportedly found was a culture that had spiraled out of control - a team environment where accountability was lacking, leadership was absent, and some of the highest-paid players were operating with unchecked autonomy. Think James Harden’s Houston Rockets era, but in college football form - where some players allegedly prioritized personal agendas over team success, and the structure to rein them in simply wasn’t there.
Rumors surrounding specific position groups - particularly among wide receivers and defensive transfers - point to a disconnect between the responsibilities that come with being a high-level student-athlete and the behavior expected from players earning significant NIL money. One report even claims a player requested money for a family member before boarding a team flight - the kind of situation that raises serious questions about oversight, culture, and the internal standards being upheld.
Jake Crain, a former South Alabama assistant with deep ties in Alabama football circles, confirmed that many of these reports are grounded in truth. He didn’t go line by line through the allegations, but his endorsement of the overall picture adds weight to the narrative. Former Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten also chimed in, expressing support for a full cultural reset - a “cleaning house” moment that seems increasingly necessary.
Freeze’s postgame frustrations with his team were no secret. But in hindsight, it’s telling that the players he publicly criticized weren’t necessarily the ones at the heart of these behind-the-scenes issues. Whether by choice or circumstance, it appears Freeze failed to confront the root problems - and that mismanagement may have long-term consequences for both him and the program.
Freeze’s coaching future now looks murky at best. While his past success at Liberty might’ve once earned him a second chance at a Group of Five program, the current era of revenue sharing and NIL transparency raises the stakes.
Reports of questionable spending and inappropriate use of university resources only compound the issue. For a Power Four program, bringing him on board now would be a hard sell.
But Freeze might not be the only one paying the price.
Several Auburn players who entered the transfer portal now find themselves entangled in this mess - fairly or not. Even those not directly involved in any alleged wrongdoing could face increased scrutiny.
Programs interested in these players may demand deeper background checks, which could delay offers or even lead to rescinded interest. For some, the market will still be strong enough to overcome the noise.
For others, the stigma could be costly - both financially and in terms of opportunity.
Top-tier talent typically finds a home, even with baggage. But lesser-known players or those with borderline resumes might see reduced offers or be passed over entirely. And in a worst-case scenario, some could be forced to hang up their cleats earlier than expected, not due to talent, but because of perception.
As for Auburn, the damage to its image is real. But the arrival of Golesh offers a potential turning point. If he can rebuild the culture and get the Tigers back to winning football, the narrative can shift - because in this sport, winning often cures all.
Still, this chapter will linger. It’s a reminder that in the NIL era, leadership matters more than ever.
Programs can’t just recruit talent - they have to manage it, guide it, and build a culture that holds everyone accountable. Auburn missed the mark in 2023.
Now it’s up to Golesh to make sure they don’t miss it again.