Rivalry Between Alabama and Auburn Intensifies

The rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers stands out as one of the most famous in the Southeastern Conference, maybe even in all of college football. Each year, when these two teams clash in the Iron Bowl, the intensity ramps up considerably.

For many players, years of competition have led to a palpable animosity.

Among those involved is AJ McCarron, who played for Alabama and won two national championships. Recently, he appeared on a podcast hosted by Chris Stewart and fellow Alabama legend Trent Richardson, where he took the opportunity to discuss Auburn and their head coach, Hugh Freeze.

It seems McCarron was not impressed by comments hinting at recruitment challenges due to different settlement rules. He dismissed any excuses coming from Auburn’s camp.

“I believe Hugh Freeze is doing everything possible to save face.”

Last week, Freeze mentioned that Auburn was adhering to home settlement rules while others were not. @10ajmccarron I’m not buying it. #Rolltide pic.twitter.com/pssft61dqu

– thedynastybama (@thedynastybama) July 9, 2025

“Hugh Freeze is full of it,” McCarron stated. “I think he’s feeling the heat in Auburn, especially since this is his third year without seeing much success. Alumni and boosters are investing significant amounts of money, and they want results.”

As McCarron discussed Auburn’s financial struggles, he speculated that the financial power in the state rested more with Alabama’s supporters rather than with Auburn. “Alabama is driven by its fans and alumni,” he noted. “Whether it’s popular or not, I wasn’t pretending to be anything I wasn’t while I was in Auburn. I faced some backlash from Alabama fans supporting my friends who played there. Honestly, if you’re from Alabama, it seems a bit silly not to cheer for the University of Alabama.”