Auburn’s Hugh Freeze Hints Jackson Arnold Could Be One-And-Done, Raising Big Questions About Tigers’ Long-Term Quarterback Future
When Jackson Arnold transferred from Oklahoma to Auburn, it sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. The former five-star recruit had been one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school, and his decision to leave Norman in favor of The Plains was seen as a huge win for Hugh Freeze and his rebuilding Auburn program. Arnold’s arrival immediately injected hope, competition, and swagger into the quarterback room. He was expected to be the answer—a strong-armed, mobile, high-IQ signal caller tailor-made for Freeze’s aggressive offense. And through spring ball and summer workouts, Arnold has lived up to the billing.
But if recent comments from Freeze are any indication, Auburn fans may want to enjoy every snap of the 2025 season with Arnold—because there’s a growing belief that it could be his only year on The Plains.
“Jackson’s got all the tools,” Freeze said in a recent media session. “He’s smart, he’s athletic, and he’s driven. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is his only year with us. If he plays like we think he can, he’ll have a big decision to make.”
The implication was clear: Jackson Arnold could be a one-and-done quarterback for Auburn, using the 2025 season as a springboard to the NFL. While such a trajectory might feel premature, it’s not unprecedented in the modern era of college football, where the transfer portal, NIL earnings, and early declarations for the NFL Draft have reshaped how careers are built and managed.
For Auburn, the possibility of Arnold leaving after one season presents both excitement and concern. On the one hand, it would mean the Tigers are finally getting elite quarterback play—something they’ve lacked since the prime years of Jarrett Stidham or even back to the fleeting brilliance of Cam Newton. On the other hand, it would leave Freeze and his staff facing another offseason of quarterback uncertainty, just as the program starts gaining traction.
Arnold’s decision to leave Oklahoma wasn’t purely about playing time. Though he was behind Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart, most insiders believed he could have claimed the starting role in 2025. But the allure of Freeze’s system, Auburn’s quarterback-friendly offense, and the chance to lead a historic SEC program clearly swayed Arnold. And now that he’s in position to start Week 1 against Baylor, the spotlight is squarely on him.
He’s impressed coaches and teammates with his command of the offense, work ethic, and leadership. Wide receiver Camden Brown recently called Arnold “the real deal,” noting how the offense “just clicks different” when he’s on the field. Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery has praised Arnold’s processing speed and accuracy, particularly on deep throws and timing routes. If Arnold lives up to the expectations, Auburn could finally boast a quarterback who can carry them through a brutal SEC schedule and keep them in contention for a playoff berth.
But that success would come with consequences.
“If he goes out there and lights it up, what’s to stop him from going to the NFL?” one SEC scout noted anonymously. “He’s already got the frame, the arm, and he’s learning from a great offensive staff. If Auburn wins nine or ten games and he plays well, he’ll be gone.”
That’s the harsh truth of modern college football. Programs spend months, sometimes years, landing a talented quarterback—only to see him bolt after one standout season. Freeze understands that. He’s not just preparing Arnold to succeed; he’s preparing Auburn for what comes next.
“I’ve always believed you have to build for today and tomorrow,” Freeze said. “If Jackson plays his way into the league, that’s a great problem to have. But we’ve got to be ready.”
That “next man up” philosophy is already in motion behind the scenes. Auburn continues to recruit quarterbacks aggressively, both at the high school level and through the transfer portal. Redshirt freshman Holden Geriner remains on the roster and has earned praise for his maturity and improvement, while incoming freshman Clay Carson—an Elite 11 finalist—could be groomed as the long-term answer if Arnold departs early.
Still, replacing a potential one-year phenom like Arnold is no easy task, especially when that one year could redefine the entire trajectory of the Freeze era. Auburn’s offense is built around tempo, rhythm, and quarterback decisiveness. It’s not plug-and-play. It demands precision, and the right quarterback can elevate the entire team. If Arnold delivers in 2025 and leaves for the NFL, Freeze will need to replicate that success again almost immediately to keep Auburn from backsliding.
There’s also the emotional impact to consider. Auburn fans have been waiting for a quarterback they could rally around—a player with star power, leadership, and the ability to win games late in the fourth quarter. Arnold has already become that symbol of hope. His poise, his charisma, and the buzz around his skill set have energized the fanbase. If he’s only around for one season, it could create a bittersweet dynamic—celebrating what could be a historic run, while already bracing for life after him.
Freeze, to his credit, isn’t shying away from the conversation. His honesty about Arnold’s future reflects a level of transparency that’s rare among big-time coaches. Rather than downplay the possibility, he’s acknowledging it early—likely to manage expectations and prepare his program for any outcome.
“You don’t hold guys back from their dreams,” Freeze said. “If Jackson can go chase the NFL after one year with us, that’s a testament to what we’re building. That’s a recruiting pitch in itself.”
He’s right. If Arnold goes pro after just one season, it sends a message to quarterbacks everywhere: come to Auburn, and you can develop quickly, win big, and get to the next level. That’s the kind of reputation Freeze wants to build. Still, it requires consistency and careful roster planning to avoid turning quarterback into a revolving door.
In the meantime, Auburn fans would be wise to savor what could be a special season. Arnold is poised to take the SEC by storm, and he’ll have every opportunity to showcase his talent against elite defenses. From Baylor in Week 1 to Georgia and Alabama later in the year, the schedule will test him—but also elevate his draft stock if he thrives.
There’s precedent for this kind of rapid rise. Joe Burrow, Zach Wilson, Kyler Murray, and even Cam Newton himself all had seasons that changed their trajectories overnight. Arnold could be next. And if that happens, Auburn will both celebrate and recalibrate.
For now, Freeze’s message is simple: don’t fear the future. Embrace the present. Jackson Arnold may only be here for a short time—but if he delivers the way Freeze thinks he can, that one season could be one Auburn fans talk about for decades.
The countdown to kickoff is on. Arnold is ready. Auburn is ready. And if this is the beginning and the end of the Jackson Arnold era on The Plains, it’s bound to be unforgettable.
