As Hugh Freeze enters his third year on the Plains, the spotlight on Auburn’s offense is growing brighter by the day. With Jackson Arnold taking the reins at quarterback and a wide receiver room that might be the deepest in program history, one question looms large: what happens to the tight ends? We answer that question in our Auburn tight end preview.
Auburn leaned heavily on 12 personnel—two tight end sets—in Freeze’s first two years. That made sense given the roster structure, limited wideout depth, and a run-heavy offensive identity. But the 2025 roster looks vastly different after our Auburn tight end preview. And so does the offensive philosophy.
Talent Outside, Questions Inside
The influx of talent on the outside is no secret. Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, and Eric Singleton headline a wide receiver corps that brings elite pass-catching ability and explosive playmaking to an offense that struggled to finish drives last season. Freeze told us directly in a one-on-one that he hasn’t used much 10 personnel (four wideouts, no tight ends) in the past—but that’s going to change in 2025.
That change doesn’t bode well for a tight end room filled with unproven players and shifting roles. Read how Auburn’s stacked wide receiver room—led by Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton—is shifting Hugh Freeze’s offensive strategy here.
Auburn tight end preview Meet the Room: Frazier Leads the Way
Auburn’s tight end depth chart includes Brandon Frazier, Preston Howard, Tate Johnson, and Ryan Ghea. Frazier, now in his sixth year, is the most recognizable name—and he tops the list heading into fall camp.
Frazier has long had the prototypical tight end build—big, athletic, and physical. But injuries and depth chart congestion have limited his snaps. Initially buried behind veterans like John Samuel Shenker, Luke Deal, and Rivaldo Fairweather, Frazier never got the consistent playing time needed to develop into a featured option. Now, with a sixth year of eligibility and no clear challenger, this is his moment.
Whether he capitalizes on it remains to be seen.
is poised to breakout at Tight End for Auburn.
Auburn tight end preview: Blocking Takes Center Stage
It’s telling that Auburn’s current depth chart has three of the four tight ends profiled. They are known primarily for their blocking abilities.
- Ryan Ghea, a freshman and early commit, is already regarded as the most college-ready blocker in the group. His physical frame and aggressive mindset make him a natural fit in heavy packages, especially in short-yardage situations.
- Tate Johnson, the converted offensive lineman, is a throwback to the Tuberville-era position swaps. He brings SEC-level blocking experience to the room and could play a vital role in 13 personnel formations or jumbo sets. While he has decent hands, don’t expect him to be running routes often.
- Preston Howard, a transfer from Maryland, offers a little more athleticism and versatility. He played some quarterback in high school and shows flashes of being a pass catcher. Still, his usage so far has mostly been as a blocker.
These additions reinforce the reality that Auburn’s tight ends will be used situationally—not as primary weapons.
Auburn tight end preview: Statistical Stagnation & Offensive Shifts
While many of Auburn’s offensive units showed marked statistical improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 under Freeze—Thorne throwing for 1,000 more yards, Jarquez Hunter hitting the 1,000-yard mark, and freshman Cam Coleman producing immediately—tight ends did not follow suit.
The lack of production may be partially due to scheme and usage. However, the staff’s recruiting choices and personnel decisions show they may not prioritize tight ends in the passing game. Freeze and OC Derek Nix appear ready to focus on what’s effective. They’re getting the ball to elite receivers. They are also letting Arnold push the ball downfield.
What to Expect in 2025
Expect a heavy dose of 11 personnel this season, with 10 personnel packages making their debut in Freeze’s offense. Auburn’s ability to showcase its wide receivers—not just for wins but also to attract future recruiting classes—depends on letting those players see the field.
That leaves the tight end room with limited opportunities. Barring injuries or short-yardage packages, only one tight end may see regular snaps. That player is likely to be Frazier—if he can stay healthy and finally translate potential into production.
Ryan Ghea and Tate Johnson are situational weapons. Preston Howard offers some flexibility. In a season where Freeze has to “prove it” with results, tight end production could take a backseat to wide receiver fireworks.
The Bottom Line
Auburn’s tight end room is talented, but largely unproven and clearly transitioning into a more limited role. While Freeze hasn’t abandoned the tight end entirely, it’s clear the focus has shifted outward. Whether that strategy pays off will depend on Jackson Arnold, the offensive line, and Auburn’s ability to finish drives. One thing’s for sure: this isn’t 2023’s offense anymore.
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