Auburn Tigers Make Significant Strides with Two Former Five-Star Quarterbacks as They Aim to Reclaim SEC Glory
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, few programs have experienced the highs and lows quite like the Auburn Tigers. Once a perennial powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Auburn has faced challenges in recent years. However, the 2025 season presents a renewed sense of optimism, particularly with the addition of two former five-star quarterbacks: Jackson Arnold and Payton Thorne. Their arrivals signal a potential resurgence for the Tigers, as they aim to reclaim their position among the elite teams in college football.
Jackson Arnold, a former five-star recruit from Oklahoma, committed to Auburn in the offseason, bringing with him a wealth of talent and potential. During his time at Oklahoma, Arnold showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Despite these impressive statistics, his tenure in Norman was marked by inconsistency, leading to his decision to transfer. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze sees Arnold as a quarterback with the tools to lead the Tigers back to prominence. With two years of eligibility remaining, Arnold’s development under Freeze’s tutelage will be crucial for Auburn’s success in the coming seasons.
Payton Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State, also joins Auburn with a point to prove. Ranked as the ninth-best quarterback nationally in The Athletic’s quarterback ranking model, Thorne’s performance at Michigan State was commendable, placing him as the second-best quarterback in the SEC. His inclusion in this list, ahead of notable quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy of Michigan, underscores his potential and the high expectations surrounding his move to Auburn.
The term “five-star quarterback” carries significant weight in college football recruiting. Historically, five-star quarterbacks have a higher likelihood of success at the collegiate level and beyond. According to a study by Hoosier Huddle, of the 33 five-star quarterbacks from the 2006 to 2020 recruiting classes, 20 were selected in the NFL Draft, with 10 being first-round picks. Additionally, four of these quarterbacks—Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, and Bryce Young—have won the prestigious Heisman Trophy. This track record highlights the importance of securing top-tier talent at the quarterback position.
Auburn’s quarterback situation in recent years has been a topic of scrutiny. While the Tigers have had talented individuals under center, consistency has been elusive. Bo Nix, once a highly touted recruit, displayed flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency during his tenure at Auburn. His departure opened the door for new talent to emerge. The addition of Arnold and Thorne represents a concerted effort by Auburn’s coaching staff to stabilize the quarterback position and provide the offense with a leader capable of executing the game plan effectively.
While the arrival of Arnold and Thorne brings hope, challenges remain. The SEC is renowned for its competitive nature, and Auburn will face formidable opponents throughout the season. Additionally, integrating two new quarterbacks into the system will require time and adjustment. However, the potential rewards are significant. With the right development and support, Arnold and Thorne have the capability to lead Auburn back to the top of the SEC standings.
The Auburn Tigers stand at a crossroads. With the infusion of talent in the form of Jackson Arnold and Payton Thorne, the program has the opportunity to turn the page on a challenging chapter and embark on a new era of success. The coming season will be pivotal in determining whether these quarterbacks can fulfill their potential and lead Auburn back to its rightful place among college football’s elite. For Auburn fans, the 2025 season offers a renewed sense of hope and anticipation.
