Jacob Hester is hesitant with his expectations for Auburn in 2024 after its upset loss to New Mexico State.

Wednesday on “Pregaming the SEC” Hester had some thoughts on Auburn’s future prospects after the tough showing the Tigers had in the 31-10 loss to New Mexico State.

“Honestly, it has changed my perspective on what Auburn can be next year,” Hester said. “I know I shouldn’t do that off 1 game, but it has.”

Hester continued with what expectations he now has for Auburn in 2024.

“I was thinking bowl eligible in year 1 after what he took over from Bryan Harsin, talking about Hugh Freeze, they’re going to be able to build off of this. They’ll be maybe a 9-win team next year. It changed my mind. It’s New Mexico State, and I’m not trying to be disrespectful because they’ve had a hell of a year. This can’t happen. And not only did it happen, but it happened in a way that it wasn’t close.”

The Tigers currently sit at 6-5 on the season and 3-4 in SEC play in year 1 under head coach Hugh Freeze. Auburn is bowl eligible again this season after missing out on a Bowl in 2022. Freeze has a chance for his 1st marquee win at Auburn if it can pull off the upset of No. 8 Alabama on Saturday. Auburn has lost 3 straight in the series to the Crimson Tide with their last win coming in 2019.

Auburn hosts Alabama this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.