Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has confirmed that top star will be the team’s starting quarterback after being asked about his plans for the position by Mike Gittens of the War Rapport.
“Yeah, he is,” Freeze responded confidently.
However, Freeze also shared his thoughts on the team’s QB depth, highlighting the development of freshman Deuce Knight. “Deuce Knight is going to be phenomenal,” Freeze said. “He had a great spring, and it was a pleasure working with him. He’s one of the most accountable freshmen I’ve seen—no excuses, eager to learn, and he has a big arm and great talent.”
Freeze also discussed Arnold’s potential as QB1, especially considering his experience in a challenging situation at Oklahoma under Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley. These comments seemed to close the door on the possibility of another transfer quarterback getting playing time this season.
Deuce Knight, not Ashton Daniels, will be Jackson Arnold’s primary backup QB for Auburn
Ashton Daniels, a transfer from Stanford, is expected to stay on the bench this fall, unless there’s an injury to Jackson Arnold and/or Deuce Knight, or if both are unprepared.
The latter scenario seems unlikely, given how well Arnold and Knight have been performing in recent months, although Arnold’s leg injury during spring practice kept him from participating in A-Day. While an injury to both Arnold and Knight is possible, it would be highly unusual.
Daniels, who has one season of eligibility left and a redshirt, is in a tricky position. It seems likely he will use his redshirt this season and then finish his final year elsewhere in 2026. Since the transfer portal window closed on April 25, Daniels wouldn’t be able to transfer to another SEC school within the conference due to portal rules.
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Alabama analyst shares Payton Thorne-coded warning to Jackson Arnold on Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze
Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold has earned the confidence of the Tigers’ coaching staff, securing the starting role for the 2025 season opener.
However, Ronald Evans of Bama Hammer cautions Arnold to be aware of Hugh Freeze’s tendency to publicly criticize his starting quarterbacks. Evans referenced Freeze’s handling of Payton Thorne last season, noting that while Freeze improved the team’s roster, he still faces challenges with consistency. Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma, is hoping for a more supportive environment than Thorne experienced, which included frequent public criticism.
Evans pointed out that Thorne’s relationship with Freeze was complicated before Thorne moved on to the Cincinnati Bengals. Freeze often criticized Thorne, but the coach also kept him as the starter longer than many expected, despite calls for Robby Ashford and Hank Brown to take over. Brown was given a chance but struggled with turnovers in his appearance against Arkansas, after which Thorne regained his spot and held onto it.
Evans believes Arnold, like Thorne, will receive backing from the fanbase and media, with many expecting Auburn to be ranked in 2025. Still, he warns Arnold that he could face a similar treatment from Freeze if things don’t go smoothly, suggesting Arnold should be prepared for the possibility of public criticism.