Saturday’s matchup with Vanderbilt will be Auburn’s first game since Hugh Freeze’s firing and with interim head coach DJ Durkin leading the way. Durkin announced earlier in the week that he will maintain his duties as defensive coordinator, which includes calling the defense during games.

Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) rushes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Here's what interim Auburn football coach DJ Durkin said about team captain Champ Anthony's sidelining against Vanderbilt this weekend.

After a dismal offensive performance against Kentucky, DJ Durkin is carefully evaluating all three quarterbacks before making a crucial decision for Saturday's game at Vanderbilt.

Auburn fired coach Hugh Freeze after the Tigers lost for the 12th time in their last 15 Southeastern Conference games.

Ashton Daniels will be Auburn football's starting quarterback against No. 16 Vanderbilt this weekend, interim coach DJ Durkin said.

Auburn made a major blunder late in the first game of the Steven Pearl era on Monday night, and they just barely escaped a major upset loss because of it.