Alex McPherson health update: Hugh Freeze reveals where Auburn kicker stands in his return to team

Auburn spent most of the 2024 season without its starting kicker, Alex McPherson. His official bio on Auburn’s website says gastrointestinal issues were the issue. McPherson only wound up getting on the field against Kentucky, making three extra points and only making one of two field goal attempts.

Now, head coach Hugh Freeze is hoping to have McPherson ready to go for this upcoming year. He gave the latest when speaking to the media on Tuesday, saying the kicker looked great out there. However, Auburn is being cautious with his return. McPherson’s health is their No. 1 priority.

“Today and yesterday, he was automatic,” Freeze said. “Didn’t miss a kick. Again, you’re still monitoring his health. It’s not that he’s not kicking it well. It’s just we want to maintain his weight and do whatever we can to support him and his doctors. Whether that means he needs to sit out two days — we’ll do whatever it is to make sure he’s ready to go because he’s really, really pretty automatic.”

With McPherson away from the team, kicker was a major problem for Auburn last season. Every single extra point was made but when Freeze would send someone out there for three points, they usually missed. Towns McGough led the team with 12 attempts, only making five. Ian Vachon closed out there year six for eight, missing kicks against both Texas A&M (an Auburn win) and Alabama (a loss).

McGough is still with the program, possibly preparing as if he will be the Tigers’ main guy. Freeze made sure some praise came his way in a situational drill.

“I will say, Towns kicked it really well today too,” Freeze said. “We were in team drives today and had a 52-yarder. And Towns put it right down the middle. So, that was good to see.”

You never know when the kicking game is going to have an impact on your season. Especially on the road when some points are needed. Auburn may find out real quickly, heading to Waco for a massive opener against Baylor. McLane Stadium will be rocking and, at some point, you assume a massive kick will be needed.

Everyone on the Plains will be hoping McPherson is the one setting up. Not just for positive results but to put a bow on what could be an incredible comeback journey for the kicker. Thankfully, progress seems to be coming along.