For over two decades, Auburn University has often entered spring football practices with uncertainty at the quarterback position. The 2025 season proved to be no exception, as the Tigers embarked on spring drills with a quarterback competition that would set the tone for the upcoming season.
Auburn’s quarterback room underwent a significant transformation heading into the 2025 season. All four quarterbacks from the previous year had either exhausted their eligibility or transferred, leaving the team with a fresh slate. This turnover set the stage for a highly anticipated spring competition. By the time spring practice commenced, only two quarterbacks were on campus: freshman Deuce Knight and junior Jackson Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma. This limited roster meant both players would receive the majority of the reps during spring drills.
Head coach Hugh Freeze expressed optimism about the situation, noting that the competition was “going great.” He emphasized the importance of having multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting role, as it fosters improvement and accountability. Freeze highlighted that the presence of a capable backup can push the starter to elevate their performance, benefiting the team as a whole. He also acknowledged the challenges of having only two scholarship quarterbacks available but believed the situation would provide valuable experience for both players.
Jackson Arnold brought experience to the quarterback competition. During his time at Oklahoma, he appeared in ten games, starting five, and accumulated over 1,400 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities with 444 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Freeze praised Arnold’s calm demeanor, high football IQ, and impressive arm strength. He noted that Arnold’s decision-making and accuracy had been on point during spring practice, and he was particularly impressed by Arnold’s ability to maintain composure in the pocket under pressure.
Deuce Knight, a five-star recruit from Lucedale, Mississippi, entered Auburn as an early enrollee. Despite being a freshman, Knight displayed maturity beyond his years. Freeze commended Knight for his work ethic, noting that he was often eager to stay after practice to improve his skills. Knight’s hunger to learn and his commitment to development impressed the coaching staff. His performance during spring drills reflected his potential and readiness to compete at the collegiate level.
The limited number of quarterbacks on campus during spring practice allowed for a focused evaluation of both Arnold and Knight. With only two scholarship quarterbacks splitting reps, both players had ample opportunities to showcase their abilities. Freeze believed this setup would benefit both quarterbacks, providing them with valuable experience and allowing the coaching staff to make a more informed decision regarding the starting role.
As spring practice concluded with the A-Day scrimmage, both Arnold and Knight had demonstrated their capabilities. Arnold’s experience and poise were evident, while Knight’s raw talent and eagerness to learn were apparent. The competition between the two quarterbacks was intense, with each bringing unique strengths to the table. Freeze expressed satisfaction with the progress both players had made during the spring, stating that the competition had been beneficial for the team.
Looking ahead, the arrival of transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels in the summer will add another layer to the competition. Daniels, who is expected to join the team after completing his obligations at Stanford, will have the opportunity to compete for the starting role during summer workouts and fall camp. Freeze welcomed the addition of Daniels, viewing it as an opportunity to further strengthen the quarterback position. He emphasized that healthy competition is crucial for the team’s success and that having multiple capable quarterbacks will provide depth and flexibility.
In conclusion, Auburn’s 2025 spring quarterback competition was marked by a blend of tradition and transition. The Tigers entered spring practice with uncertainty at the quarterback position, a scenario familiar to the program in recent years. However, the emergence of Jackson Arnold and Deuce Knight provided a sense of optimism for the future. Their performances during spring drills demonstrated their potential and readiness to lead the offense. With the addition of Ashton Daniels in the summer, the competition is set to intensify, ensuring that Auburn’s quarterback position will be a focal point heading into the 2025 season.
