Auburn’s quarterback room is undergoing significant changes, with the addition of highly regarded quarterback a former Notre Dame commitment, slated to shape the program’s future in 2025. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound left-handed quarterback from George County High School in Lucedale, Mississippi, committed to Auburn after several visits, including an official visit just this past weekend. His decision wasn’t entirely unexpected, as Knight had been committed to Notre Dame since September 2023 but had grown increasingly familiar with Auburn throughout the year. Having grown up just northwest of Mobile, Alabama, Knight was always just a few hours’ drive from Auburn and had attended several games on campus.
Knight’s commitment not only strengthens Auburn’s recruiting class but also boosts the Tigers into the No. 3 position in national rankings, behind only Ohio State and Alabama, with Auburn narrowly ahead of SEC rivals LSU, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. This marks a significant achievement for head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff, who had initially focused their attention on another quarterback prospect, Juju Lewis from Carrollton, Georgia, before shifting gears this summer amid rumors about NIL-related requests. When those rumors began to swirl, Auburn refocused on Knight, whose commitment has further solidified the Tigers’ already impressive recruiting class for 2025.
Beyond the excitement surrounding Knight’s talent, his addition to Auburn’s 2025 class will bring a wave of fresh competition to an already crowded quarterback room. This will undoubtedly have a major impact on the Auburn football program, particularly given the current state of the team’s quarterback situation. While Payton Thorne is still the starting quarterback for the 2024 season, he is expected to be gone after this year, making way for the next generation of quarterbacks to vie for the starting role in 2025. The upcoming offseason promises to be one of fierce competition among Auburn’s quarterbacks.
Currently, the projected quarterback lineup for Auburn heading into spring 2025 is as follows: Hank Brown, a redshirt sophomore; Holden Geriner, a redshirt junior; Walker White, a redshirt freshman; and Deuce Knight, a true freshman. Each of these quarterbacks brings something different to the table, but Knight’s commitment unquestionably shifts the dynamics of the group, particularly as it pertains to playing time and potential competition for the starting job.
For Hank Brown, the 2025 offseason could be pivotal. A talented player with considerable upside, Brown has shown flashes of potential in limited game action but has yet to demonstrate he can consistently perform at the SEC level. As a backup to Thorne, Brown had the opportunity to make a statement this season but struggled in his only start, throwing three first-half interceptions against Arkansas before being pulled at halftime. Despite this, Brown has displayed an impressive skill set in his time as a reserve and could still have a bright future at Auburn if he can refine his game and improve in key areas. His performance during spring practices will be crucial in determining whether he can solidify himself as the starting quarterback or if Knight will surpass him on the depth chart.
However, Brown’s struggle to maintain the starting role in 2024 raises the question of whether he is truly ready to lead an SEC team. The expectations at Auburn are high, and the competition will only intensify with Knight entering the fold. If Brown doesn’t show substantial progress in 2025, there is a real possibility that he could find himself competing for the backup spot or even considering a transfer, especially given the deep talent pool Auburn is now cultivating.
Holden Geriner, another key figure in Auburn’s quarterback room, could also find himself in a precarious situation by the summer of 2025. Geriner is regarded as one of the best athletes and strongest arms among the group, but he is currently behind Brown on the depth chart. In 2025, Geriner will likely be entering his fourth year with the program, which will give him an edge in terms of experience and eligibility. However, Knight’s arrival adds yet another layer of competition, and Geriner’s future at Auburn could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t impress during the offseason. With the increasing prominence of the transfer portal, Geriner may face the difficult decision of either sticking it out at Auburn and competing for a spot or looking for opportunities elsewhere if he finds himself stuck behind both Brown and Knight.
As for Walker White, the highly touted true freshman who arrived at Auburn in December 2024, he is already in a bit of a challenging position. White has yet to see game action in 2024 and has been primarily working as the scout team quarterback. Though he was highly recruited, ranked as the No. 5 quarterback nationally by 247 Sports and No. 3 by ESPN, White found himself fourth on the depth chart behind Thorne, Brown, and Geriner. The fact that he didn’t earn significant playing time or surpass any of the older quarterbacks this season raises questions about his readiness for the SEC. However, White is still a young talent, and his development over the offseason will be essential to his future at Auburn. If he can put in the work during spring and summer practices, he could still make a push to earn a spot higher on the depth chart.
With the addition of Knight, Auburn’s quarterback competition is now more complex than ever. Knight’s physical tools—his size, athleticism, and raw potential—make him an intriguing prospect. His arrival promises to bring a much-needed influx of competition to a quarterback room that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Knight’s commitment adds a layer of excitement to Auburn’s future, with the possibility that he could quickly become a key player for the Tigers. However, his path to the starting job will not be easy. Depending on when Knight enrolls—whether in December 2024 or in the summer of 2025—he could have a slower start in terms of getting familiar with the system and competing for the top job.
If Knight manages to surpass the other quarterbacks during the 2025 offseason, he could find himself in the mix for the starting role. However, if he doesn’t immediately earn a spot, he will likely spend the first part of his Auburn career adjusting to the system and working to develop his skills. Regardless, Knight’s addition brings significant optimism to Auburn’s football program, as he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Tigers. His competitive drive and incredible ceiling could eventually propel him to the top of the depth chart, but only time will tell if he can live up to the hype.
Auburn fans are eagerly anticipating what the 2025 offseason will bring for the quarterback position. If Knight is able to impress early, he could carve out a path to starting in his freshman year. Even if he doesn’t immediately become the starter, simply earning a spot as the backup quarterback or second-string player will be a significant achievement and would bode well for his future. The quarterback competition at Auburn in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines for the program, and Knight’s arrival has only increased the excitement surrounding the Tigers’ future.
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