Hugh Freeze Details Why Jackson Arnold Was the Ideal Quarterback Target for Auburn in the Transfer Portal Ahead of 2025
When Hugh Freeze took over the reins at Auburn, he did so with a reputation as a quarterback whisperer. From guiding Malik Willis to NFL-level development at Liberty to building explosive offenses at Ole Miss, Freeze has always prioritized the quarterback position. That’s why when Jackson Arnold became available in the transfer portal following the 2024 season, Freeze saw more than just a talented signal-caller—he saw a perfect fit for the culture and vision he’s trying to instill on the Plains.
Arnold, a former five-star recruit out of Denton, Texas, had initially committed to Oklahoma, where he spent two seasons in Norman. He was billed as the future of the Sooners’ program, and his talent was undeniable. A strong arm, elite mobility, and high football IQ made him one of the most coveted players in the country coming out of high school. However, with changes in Oklahoma’s offensive system and competition for the starting role tightening, Arnold made the decision to explore his options.
Freeze and the Auburn staff pounced immediately.
“I’ve been following Jackson since high school,” Freeze said. “He’s the type of quarterback I love working with. He’s not just talented—he’s tough, smart, competitive, and he cares deeply about getting better.”
For Freeze, it wasn’t just about the raw tools. Plenty of quarterbacks have arm strength and athleticism. What set Arnold apart was his demeanor, his approach to the game, and his leadership style—all traits that Auburn has lacked at times in recent years under center. The Tigers have cycled through quarterbacks since Bo Nix’s departure, never truly finding stability at the position. With Arnold, Freeze believes that stability might finally be in sight.
“Jackson is mature beyond his years,” Freeze said. “He’s been through adversity, he’s played in tough environments, and he’s handled himself with class throughout.”
Indeed, Arnold’s time at Oklahoma was marked by flashes of brilliance and stretches of frustration. He showed poise in limited action, but with the Sooners shifting schemes and bringing in new quarterback recruits, the writing was on the wall. Rather than waiting in line, Arnold chose to bet on himself and find a place where he could be the guy. Auburn offered that opportunity—and more.
According to Freeze, what sealed the deal during the recruiting process wasn’t just Auburn’s pitch or the promise of playing time. It was the alignment of goals and values between coach and quarterback.
“We had a long talk—not about football, but about life, leadership, and what kind of legacy he wants to leave,” Freeze recalled. “It became clear to me that he’s the kind of man you want leading your locker room.”
Arnold echoed that sentiment during his introductory press conference in Auburn.
“I wanted to go somewhere I could grow—not just as a player, but as a person,” Arnold said. “Coach Freeze believes in his guys, and he holds them accountable. That’s the environment I was looking for.”
Since arriving on campus in the spring, Arnold has impressed teammates and coaches alike. He quickly adapted to Freeze’s offensive system, which demands quick decision-making, deep understanding of defensive coverages, and an ability to extend plays. Arnold’s dual-threat skill set fits the mold perfectly.
“He’s a baller,” said offensive coordinator Kent Austin. “You can see why he was a five-star. The ball jumps out of his hand, and he’s already won over a lot of guys in that locker room.”
But Freeze is cautious not to crown Arnold too early. While the staff believes he’s the frontrunner for the starting job, the coach insists that competition remains open. Sophomore Holden Geriner and redshirt freshman Hank Brown are still pushing for reps, and Freeze wants all of his quarterbacks to earn their spot.
“I don’t believe in handing anyone a job,” Freeze said. “Jackson knows that. But he also knows that he’s got every opportunity in the world here to prove himself.”
What gives Freeze confidence is how Arnold has responded to the challenge. Rather than assuming the role of savior, the transfer has taken a humble approach, spending long hours in the film room, developing chemistry with receivers, and diving into the playbook with enthusiasm.
“He’s not asking to be treated like a star,” said junior wideout Jay Fair. “He’s working like a walk-on. That earns respect real fast.”
For Freeze, the addition of Arnold is about more than just winning games in 2025. It’s about laying the foundation for a program that can contend for titles in the new era of the SEC. With Oklahoma and Texas now in the mix, the conference is deeper and more dangerous than ever. Auburn, trying to claw its way back to the top, needs a quarterback who can win big games—not just manage them.
“Jackson’s played in big games. He’s not going to be rattled by the moment,” Freeze said. “That’s a big deal when you’re playing in Baton Rouge, or at Georgia, or in the Iron Bowl.”
In many ways, Arnold represents the convergence of Auburn’s past hopes and its future ambition. For years, the Tigers have looked for a quarterback who could not only lead on the field but also elevate the entire team culture. Bo Nix showed glimpses before transferring. Others stepped in briefly but lacked consistency. With Arnold, there’s a sense that Auburn finally has its guy.
Of course, that will ultimately be determined not in spring workouts or summer 7-on-7s, but on Saturdays this fall. Auburn’s 2025 schedule is brutal, with early tests against Texas A&M and LSU, and a stretch run that includes Georgia and Alabama. The margin for error is slim.
Freeze knows this better than anyone. After a 7–6 finish in his first season, the pressure to deliver meaningful progress in year two is immense. Landing Arnold was a crucial step in that process—not just for the position, but for the message it sends to recruits and fans alike.
“This was a statement,” Freeze said. “We’re not waiting around to get better. We’re going after the best, and we’re bringing them here.”
The move has already paid dividends. Since Arnold’s transfer, Auburn has seen a spike in interest from skill position players, including several receivers who cited Arnold’s presence as a reason they’re considering the Tigers. One four-star wideout from Georgia called him “the kind of quarterback who can take us to the next level.”
That kind of buzz is exactly what Freeze hoped for. In today’s college football, quarterbacks aren’t just players—they’re brands, ambassadors, and recruiters. Arnold, who has maintained a relatively low-key social media presence, nonetheless carries credibility among his peers. When he talks, others listen.
“He’s got that quiet confidence,” Freeze said. “You can feel it in the room. That’s what great quarterbacks have.”
As fall camp approaches, Freeze and the coaching staff will continue to evaluate the quarterback room, but there’s little doubt about who the fanbase—and the locker room—believes will lead the Tigers in 2025.
“I came here to compete, to grow, and to win,” Arnold said. “Auburn felt like home from the first visit. Now it’s time to go to work.”
For Hugh Freeze, Jackson Arnold represents not just a solution to Auburn’s quarterback conundrum, but a new chapter in his mission to return the Tigers to national relevance. Whether or not Arnold becomes the next great Auburn quarterback remains to be seen. But in Freeze’s eyes, he’s already shown the heart, humility, and hunger required to take that step.
“We’re building something real here,” Freeze said. “And Jackson Arnold is a big part of it.”
