After securing two quarterback commitments, will Auburn continue to search for a third QB?
We are currently in the second week of the open transfer portal window, and thus far, the Auburn football program has been making a significant impact in strengthening key positions through the transfer portal. So far, the Tigers have added eight transfers to their roster, including two offensive linemen, a running back, a cornerback, a safety, a punter, and two quarterbacks. The transfer portal has proven to be a crucial tool for building a competitive roster, and Auburn’s coaching staff, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, has been proactive in addressing immediate needs.
While the offensive line and quarterback positions are of particular importance to Auburn’s program, the question on many minds is whether the Tigers are finished with their quarterback recruitment. With two quarterbacks already committed, is there still a need to add a third?
The most likely answer is no, but there’s a reason to think Auburn could still pursue another quarterback in the future.
Since his arrival on the Plains, Hugh Freeze has emphasized the importance of maintaining depth at quarterback. He has made it clear that his goal is to have four scholarship quarterbacks on the roster every season. Last year, Auburn had four quarterbacks on scholarship: Payton Thorne, Holden Geriner, Hank Brown, and Walker White. However, as the 2025 season approaches, Thorne is out of eligibility, and the other three quarterbacks—Geriner, Brown, and White—have all chosen to enter the transfer portal in search of better opportunities.
To fill the void, Auburn has already secured the commitment of freshman quarterback Deuce Knight, who will take one of the scholarship spots. But the Tigers haven’t stopped there. They’ve also added two highly-regarded quarterbacks from the transfer portal: Jackson Arnold, formerly of Oklahoma, and Ashton Daniels, formerly of Stanford.
Jackson Arnold, who spent two seasons at Oklahoma, comes to Auburn with two years of eligibility remaining. During his time at Oklahoma, Arnold proved himself to be a talented and capable quarterback, and he is widely expected to take over as the starting QB for Auburn in the 2025 season. Given his experience in a high-powered Big 12 offense and his impressive skill set, Arnold is likely to be a key player in Auburn’s offense moving forward.
On the other hand, Ashton Daniels has spent three seasons at Stanford and will join Auburn with one year of eligibility remaining. Despite the fact that Daniels has just one year left, his experience and leadership are valuable assets. Daniels has expressed excitement about competing with Arnold for the starting position but is also eager to take on a mentoring role for the younger Deuce Knight. This combination of competition and mentorship could create a strong dynamic in Auburn’s quarterback room, fostering growth for all involved.
With Arnold, Daniels, and Knight already committed to the program, Auburn finds itself in a relatively strong position at quarterback. However, there is still one open scholarship available for another quarterback. This opens up the possibility that Auburn may look to bring in a fourth quarterback. While the first transfer portal window has been crucial in filling out the roster, the second portal window in April might present a more opportune moment for the Tigers to find that fourth quarterback. This window could bring about additional opportunities, as some players may enter the portal after spring practices, making them available for recruitment.
The Tigers’ recruiting efforts in the transfer portal show that they are not only focused on immediate needs but are also thinking about future depth and competition at key positions. The coaching staff, under Hugh Freeze, has demonstrated a clear strategy to ensure that Auburn’s quarterback room remains strong and competitive for the long term. With the additions of Arnold, Daniels, and Knight, Auburn’s quarterback position seems solidified for the moment. However, as the transfer portal continues to evolve, it wouldn’t be surprising if Auburn takes another look at potential quarterbacks in April to ensure they have the depth they need heading into the 2025 season.
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