Paul Finebaum joined WJOX and “McElroy and Cubelic In the morning” to discuss the latest Auburn additions from the transfer portal.

The Tigers in recent days have added former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne, App State pass rusher Jalen McLeod and Ohio State wide receiver Caleb Burton. Cole Cubelic asked Finebaum if his opinion about Auburn has changed since these players joined the program.

“I think Auburn fans should be jumping for joy today,” Finebaum said. “Last week was great. The quarterback pickup, what was the downside? You can quibble about Michigan State’s production, quibble about anything, but at the worst, he’s an alternative, and at the best, he’s your starter and has a lot of experience.”

More than anything, Finebaum said, Hugh Freeze has won the offseason, and that’s the only season he’s had so far. He then recalled the perception of hiring Freeze in November and December and how much of a chance it was for Auburn.

“None of that matters anymore,” Finebaum said. “… It’s a great time for Auburn. Finally, the malaise of the (Bryan) Harsin era has ended. The last couple years of (Gus) Malzahn, and I think they’re in a really good place, and whether they make a run this year up toward the middle of the pack, I don’t know, but I feel certain this is a bowl team and that’s all you can hope for in Hugh Freeze’s first season.”