AUBURN, Ala Auburn has landed its highest-rated quarterback ever, based on high school recruiting rankings, with the transfer of Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma. Arnold, a five-star prospect ranked No. 8 overall player in the 2023 class by 247Sports, joins an elite list of Auburn quarterbacks, including Cam Newton, Jason Campbell, and Deuce Knight.
Arnold, the 2022 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year and Elite 11 Finals MVP, brings impressive credentials. Over two high school seasons, he passed for over 7,000 yards and 67 touchdowns. At Oklahoma, Arnold threw for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine starts this season, despite injuries to key receivers. He also rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns, including a standout performance against Alabama with 131 rushing yards.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze praised Arnold’s skills and intangibles, describing him as a dual-threat quarterback who fits perfectly with Auburn’s run-pass option (RPO) offense. Freeze emphasized Arnold’s ability to throw accurate deep balls and extend plays, adding that his toughness and leadership will energize the team.
Arnold’s arrival, along with fellow five-star quarterback Deuce Knight, marks the first time Auburn has two five-star QBs in the same room. Freeze is optimistic about the team’s future, targeting a playoff spot for the 2025 season as Auburn continues to build a competitive roster.
“This kid brings a swagger to our offense,” Freeze said. “He’s the face of the program, and Auburn fans are going to rally behind him.”
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