In 2024, the Auburn Tigers faced a significant and pressing issue that became the focal point of their struggles: the quarterback position, which is undoubtedly the most crucial in all of sports. This glaring weakness hindered the team’s overall performance, especially in a competitive SEC environment. As the Tigers look toward 2025, they are deeply committed to addressing this problem, and they have laid the groundwork for an exciting and fiercely contested quarterback competition. With three strong candidates entering the spring season, Auburn has the potential to turn this position around, and the coming months will showcase a battle that promises to be pivotal for the team’s future.
Under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn’s quarterback play in 2024 fell short of expectations. Former Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne was the most consistent option, earning the majority of starts, but his performance was ultimately underwhelming, leaving the team in need of a more dynamic and reliable signal-caller. Because of this, Auburn enters 2025 with no returning scholarship quarterbacks from the previous season, opening the door for fresh talent to take the reins.
One of the most highly anticipated additions to the Tigers’ quarterback room is Jackson Arnold, the former five-star quarterback from Oklahoma. Arnold, who spent two seasons with the Sooners before entering the transfer portal, comes with a wealth of experience. He appeared in 10 games at Oklahoma and was ranked as the 47th-best player and the eighth-best quarterback in the portal by On3. Given his experience at a high level of competition, Arnold is widely seen as a favorite to secure the starting position for Auburn in 2025. His experience and talent make him a clear contender, but the race is far from decided.
Auburn’s commitment to enhancing its quarterback room didn’t stop with Arnold. The Tigers also brought in Ashton Daniels, a former Stanford quarterback who spent three seasons with the Cardinal before transferring to Auburn. Daniels, who was ranked as the 83rd-best quarterback in the portal by On3, offers a different dimension to the competition. Known for his mobility and playmaking ability with his legs, Daniels provides a dual-threat option that could make him an appealing choice for Freeze and his coaching staff. His ability to extend plays and make things happen outside the pocket could give him an edge in a fast-paced, modern offense.
Lastly, Auburn secured the commitment of five-star freshman quarterback Deuce Knight, a highly sought-after prospect who flipped his commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn. Knight, ranked as the fifth-best quarterback and the 25th overall player by On3, is expected to make a significant impact despite being a true freshman. His highly regarded athleticism, football IQ, and raw talent will be on display in the spring, as he competes with the more experienced players in the room. If Knight can prove himself during the spring, he may just defy expectations and claim the starting spot early in his career.
With these three quarterbacks—each bringing something unique to the table—Auburn is entering a critical phase in its rebuilding process. The competition for the starting quarterback position will be intense, and the outcomes of this spring battle will have lasting implications for the Tigers’ future in the SEC. This competition represents a fresh start, a new chapter for Auburn, as they aim to overcome the struggles of 2024 and reclaim their place as a dominant force in college football.
About The Author
