A week after clawing their way back into the AP Poll for the first time since 2021, the Auburn Tigers have earned a spot in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Hugh Freeze’s squad checked in at the No. 25 spot this week after the win over in-state opponent South Alabama, setting up a ranked showdown in Norman against No. 12 Oklahoma next week.

Auburn placed in the poll after securing its second 3-0 start in three years under Hugh Freeze, although this year’s undefeated start was significantly more impressive thanks to an opening weekend victory on the road over Baylor. That win, along with a pair of comfortable victories over Ball State and South Alabama, have made the Tigers substantial contenders in both the SEC and the race for a College Football Playoff bid.

The Tigers were one of four consecutive SEC teams ranked at the back end of the US LBM Coaches Poll, with South Carolina (24), Vanderbilt (23), and Missouri (21) checking in directly ahead of Jackson Arnold and company. Tennessee (15) held steady in the center of the poll after a loss to Georgia (3), while Alabama (14), Ole Miss (11), and Texas A&M (10) leaped up after major victories. Texas (7) and LSU (4) made up the final two of the 12 SEC programs ranked among the top 25.

While Hugh Freeze has led his Tigers to their best start since he took over as the leading man, their time in the Coaches Poll will be short lived if they cannot secure a road victory as underdogs next Saturday. With the way quarterback Jackson Arnold has commanded the offense, a win is certainly a possibility however.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn earns spot in US LBM Coaches Poll after week 3 victory