Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, a two-time national champion and one of the most successful QBs in Crimson Tide history, isn’t holding back when it comes to Auburn and especially head coach Hugh Freeze.
Recently, both Freeze and Auburn athletic director John Cohen blamed the team’s poor recruiting results on confusion over new NCAA rules, saying improvements will come once revenue-sharing officially begins after August 1. Auburn currently ranks 80th in recruiting, far below expectations.
McCarron, speaking on The Dynasty podcast with Chris Stewart and Trent Richardson, dismissed those claims as nothing more than excuses. He said Freeze is feeling the heat entering his third year at Auburn, with mounting pressure from boosters and fans due to his 11–14 record over two seasons.
“I think Hugh Freeze is doing whatever he can to save face,” McCarron said. “He’s scrambling for answers on why they’re not winning. The state is run by Alabama fans and alumni that’s the reality.”
McCarron added that Alabama remains the clear destination for top talent due to its national brand, consistent success, and long-term opportunities for players something Auburn can’t currently match. While his comments may ruffle feathers on the Plains, McCarron argues they reflect the truth: Auburn’s struggles are self-inflicted, and unless Freeze produces better results soon, his time in charge may be short-lived just like Bryan
Harsin’s was.
Alabama Basketball in Top 10 for 5-Star Jaxon Richardson, Son of NBA Star
Jaxon Richardson, the son of former NBA Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, has narrowed his college choices to 10 schools, and Alabama made the cut while surprisingly, Michigan State, where his father and brother played, did not.
Ranked No. 19 overall in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Richardson is a rising star with elite athleticism and two-way ability. His scouting report highlights explosive leaping, improved shooting, court awareness, and strong rebounding he even averaged 10 boards per game recently on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats is hoping for redemption after narrowly missing out on Jaxon’s brother Jase Richardson, who committed to Michigan State and was selected 25th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Jaxon has already visited Tuscaloosa and scheduled his official visit for September 13, which is the only visit currently on his calendar.
That weekend could be a major recruiting moment for Alabama, with visits also planned from 5-star PG Deron Rippey Jr. and Caleb Holt, another top Alabama native and major target for the Tide in the 2026 class.
If all goes well, Oats could be building one of his strongest recruiting classes yet.
