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Auburn recruits reacted Sunday to the news that Hugh Freeze has been fired as head coach. Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will serve as interim coach for the team’s remaining four games. The Tigers owe Freeze $15.8 million, with no mitigation, from a six-year, $39 million deal he signed to replace Bryan Harsin in 2022. Jase Mathews, of Leakesville, Mississippi, is a five-star recruit and considered the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 12 player in the nation, per Rivals. “That’s crazy,” Mathews told Rivals. “That’s unfortunate. But I think I’m going to take it in a good way. I liked Freeze but anything to improve the program is great. Just keep on taking it the way I’ve been, day by day, not let it affect my choice too much but keeping my head on a swivel.” Southaven (Miss.) DeSoto Central running back Eric Perry told On3, “Honestly, I’m not really surprised about Coach Freeze getting let go,” Perry said. “That’s just part of the game sometimes. I’m keeping an open mind and looking at other opportunities. “Right now, I’m strongly considering the University of Memphis and seeing where that might lead.” Four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone’s father and coach told Rivals the following: “Obviously it’s been looming,” Tom Falzone said. “It’s all fresh right now. We’re going to see. He loved everything about Auburn. He’s going to make a decision that’s best for him and he wants to play for a staff that wants him. We’ll have to see.” Bralan Womack told CB Sports, “I’m going to stay committed to Auburn, but I’m opening up my recruitment.” Here is some other reaction: Freeze became the eighth Power Four coach fired this season, following moves at Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn State, UCLA and Virginia Tech. Stanford also has a vacancy after firing Troy Taylor in March.
