Auburn Tigers Quarterbacks Begin Fall Camp with Focus, Precision, and Competition in Opening Practice of 2025 Preseason on Wednesday Afternoon
The heat was unforgiving on the Plains, but Auburn’s quarterbacks were locked in, throwing with purpose and intensity during the Tigers’ first fall practice of the 2025 season on Wednesday afternoon. With no starting quarterback named and expectations running high, the quarterback group took center stage in a practice that felt more like a proving ground than a tune-up. Every throw, every read, every audible carried weight as Auburn opened camp with eyes fixed on a fresh offensive identity.
There was no easing in. Quarterbacks came out firing—quick outs, deep posts, timing routes across the middle—all on full display during the opening sessions. Each rep was crisp, and each mistake was noted, not just by coaches, but by teammates who know how critical quarterback play will be to Auburn’s success in 2025. The battle to lead the Tigers’ offense is on, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched competitions in the SEC.
At the heart of it all is third-year signal-caller Holden Geriner, who many believed would take the reins last season before a combination of inconsistency and scheme fit left the position fluid. Now, with a full offseason under new offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and another year of development, Geriner enters fall camp as perhaps the most prepared he’s ever been. On Wednesday, he looked the part—calm in the pocket, efficient in his reads, and accurate on the move.
But Geriner is not alone. Walker Howard, the former LSU and Ole Miss transfer, has come to Auburn with real aspirations of claiming the starting job. And if Day 1 is any indication, he’s not backing down from the competition. Howard was sharp throughout practice, showing off the arm talent and confidence that once made him a blue-chip prospect. He threw with velocity, particularly on sideline outs and deep comebacks, and showed an ability to reset his feet quickly under pressure.
Then there’s redshirt freshman Hank Brown, the dark horse in the race. Though less experienced, Brown made a case for himself during spring ball and picked up where he left off on Wednesday. His mechanics are clean, his release quick, and his decision-making appeared more mature than one might expect from a player yet to take a collegiate snap. He ran the offense smoothly during his team periods and didn’t hesitate to test tight windows.
What stood out most during the session was the tempo. Sloan’s offense demands speed, precision, and mental clarity, and the quarterbacks were clearly drilled on that philosophy all offseason. From the first whistle, the group operated with a sense of urgency, snapping the ball quickly, getting through progressions, and limiting pre-snap confusion. Coaches emphasized rhythm throws and ball placement, while quarterbacks coach Kent Austin remained vocal throughout, pushing his players to hit exact spots, not just receivers.
Though no depth chart has been released, the reps on Day 1 were divided evenly among the top three quarterbacks. Each took turns leading 7-on-7 periods, red zone drills, and full-team reps. And while the competition remains open, there was a visible respect and support system among the trio. After each series, quarterbacks huddled together, discussing reads and coverages, often offering feedback to each other without waiting for a coach to intervene.
It’s a sign of maturity in a room that has, at times, lacked cohesion in previous years. Auburn is aiming to turn a page this fall—not just in results, but in chemistry. And that begins under center.
“You can’t have a great team without a great quarterback room,” said Sloan in comments following practice. “I’ve been around enough successful teams to know the best units are the ones that push each other and keep each other sharp. These guys are doing that.”
The throws themselves were varied and demanding. Early in practice, quarterbacks worked through progression drills with stationary targets, focusing on footwork and sequencing. Then came live routes with receivers, testing timing and rapport. Geriner and Howard, in particular, displayed solid timing on intermediate throws—deep digs and curls—connecting with receivers like Ja’Varrius Johnson and Camden Brown with rhythm and anticipation.
Later, the quarterbacks moved to situational periods. In one sequence, the offense was tasked with moving the ball in a simulated two-minute drill. Here, Howard showed poise, marching the offense downfield with three consecutive completions, including a tight-window strike over the middle to Koy Moore. Not to be outdone, Geriner responded with a beautiful back-shoulder fade to freshman Malik Benson that drew audible praise from the sideline.
Brown’s performance during situational work was also encouraging. He threw a touchdown on a rollout to the right, delivering the ball on the move with defenders closing in. Though still learning the speed of the game, Brown’s natural instincts were evident, and he handled pressure well.
The battle doesn’t end with physical ability. One of the main focuses for the staff has been mental preparation. Quarterbacks spent significant portions of the summer in film study, and it showed. There were very few busted plays, and communication at the line of scrimmage was noticeably improved. Check-downs were used wisely, protections were adjusted confidently, and the overall control of the offense was tighter than in previous openers.
Auburn fans have grown accustomed to uncertainty at the quarterback position, but Day 1 offered a different vibe. There’s no guarantee how the competition will shake out, and Freeze has made clear he won’t rush the decision. But the early signs point to a more stable, capable room—one that may finally give Auburn the consistency under center it’s lacked in recent years.
And while the starting job is still very much up for grabs, what’s clear is that Auburn’s quarterbacks are approaching this camp with the right mindset. They’re competing, not feuding. They’re sharpening each other, not undermining. In an era where quarterback transfers are constant and egos often take precedence, this kind of internal dynamic could be one of Auburn’s biggest assets.
The leadership qualities on display were also encouraging. Geriner in particular has stepped into more of a vocal role, often calling out blitz looks and encouraging teammates after dropped passes. Howard led post-practice discussions with receivers, walking through route adjustments and clarifying signals. Brown spent time after practice with third-team offensive linemen, reviewing cadence and protection calls.
All three know the weight of the position, and they’re treating it accordingly.
Beyond the top trio, walk-on quarterbacks and younger players also got limited reps, mostly during install periods. While not in the running for the starting job, their presence helps maintain a competitive environment and ensures depth in case of injuries.
Still, it’s the battle at the top that will define this camp. Freeze has said he wants to name a starter “as soon as it’s clear,” but won’t force the issue. For now, Auburn’s quarterbacks are being evaluated on every throw, every read, every leadership moment.
And the evaluation will continue. More padded practices, scrimmages, and film sessions lie ahead. Chemistry with receivers will grow. Offensive tweaks will be made. Mistakes will happen, but the ability to learn from them may be the separating factor.
What matters most is that Auburn finally seems to have multiple capable options. This isn’t a race of necessity—it’s a competition of strength. And in college football, that’s a luxury.
As practice wrapped up and players headed toward recovery stations, the quarterbacks lingered a bit longer. A few stayed to throw extra passes. Others discussed coverages with coaches. It was clear the work is only just beginning, but the foundation being laid is strong.
Wednesday’s practice wasn’t about naming a starter. It was about setting a tone. And if that tone holds—focused, competitive, and team-first—then Auburn may finally get what it’s been chasing for years: consistency and leadership at the game’s most important position.
Fall camp has just begun, but the race is real, and the Tigers’ quarterbacks are all in.
