Hugh Freeze Officially Names Jackson Arnold as Auburn’s Starting Quarterback During Interview on Duke’s “The Scoop” Show

In a move that could shape the trajectory of Auburn football in 2025 and beyond, head coach Hugh Freeze officially named Jackson Arnold as the Tigers’ starting quarterback earlier today during a guest appearance on the popular podcast “The Scoop” with Duke. The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the most important position on the field and sets a clear direction for Auburn as the program enters a pivotal year under Freeze’s leadership.

Freeze’s declaration came during a wide-ranging conversation that touched on recruiting, NIL dynamics, the changing landscape of college football, and the pressure of coaching in the SEC. But the moment that caught everyone’s attention—and sent ripples through the Auburn fan base and broader college football community—was when he confidently confirmed, “Jackson Arnold is our guy. He’s QB1 heading into the fall.”

Arnold, the former five-star recruit and Oklahoma transfer, arrived at Auburn amid high expectations. A dynamic playmaker with a cannon for an arm and natural leadership skills, Arnold was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal this past offseason. Auburn’s success in landing him was considered a significant win not only for the team’s immediate fortunes, but also for Freeze’s long-term vision of restoring Auburn to national relevance.

The timing of the announcement is notable. Freeze could have waited until closer to fall camp to declare a starter, but by doing so now, he sends a clear message of stability and belief in Arnold’s ability to lead the Tigers. It’s also a testament to how well Arnold has adapted to the program in a short amount of time. According to team sources and insiders who have watched spring practices, Arnold consistently stood out with his command of the offense, accuracy in intermediate and deep passing, and calm demeanor under pressure.

For Freeze, this moment represents a calculated risk but one rooted in conviction. Throughout his coaching career, he’s demonstrated a knack for identifying and developing quarterback talent, from Bo Wallace at Ole Miss to Malik Willis at Liberty. With Arnold, Freeze sees a blend of elite traits and untapped potential that he believes can flourish in Auburn’s system.

“There’s just something about him,” Freeze said during the interview. “The way he prepares, the way the guys respond to him, and his poise—it reminds me of some of the great quarterbacks I’ve had the privilege to coach. And with the right support around him, I believe he can take us where we want to go.”

Arnold will take over an offense that returns a solid core of playmakers but still has questions to answer. The Tigers bolstered their receiving corps with the additions of transfer wideouts and incoming freshmen, while the offensive line, a point of concern in recent seasons, showed promise during spring ball. In the backfield, Auburn has a reliable tandem of bruising runners and a versatile pass-catching threat, giving Arnold a balanced arsenal.

Still, Freeze acknowledged that there will be growing pains. “He’s young, he’s learning a new system, and the SEC is unforgiving,” he said. “But I’d rather go through those bumps with a guy who I know has the tools to become elite.”

Arnold’s ascension also speaks to Freeze’s evolving philosophy on building a program in the transfer portal era. Rather than relying solely on high school recruiting or veteran incumbents, Freeze has embraced a blended approach. Bringing in Arnold was not just about talent acquisition—it was about culture fit, future projection, and sending a message that Auburn is serious about competing at the highest level.

When asked during “The Scoop” about what separated Arnold from the rest of the quarterback room, Freeze didn’t mince words. “Consistency. Decision-making. Leadership. All those intangibles we preach. He came in and earned the locker room’s respect very quickly. That’s rare for a transfer.”

Arnold’s leadership has already begun to take root. Teammates have praised his communication skills and work ethic, noting that he’s often the last to leave the film room and the first to arrive at workouts. One defensive leader described Arnold as “a quiet assassin—he doesn’t talk much, but you feel his presence.”

While the depth chart still features talented quarterbacks, including returnees who competed throughout spring, Freeze emphasized that naming Arnold QB1 now doesn’t close the door on internal competition. “It’s football—things change. But right now, Jackson’s earned this. He’s our starter, and we’re going to rally around him.”

This early declaration also allows Auburn to build continuity over the summer months. With Arnold entrenched as the starter, the team can tailor its offseason development and 7-on-7 work around his skill set. Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, who was instrumental in recruiting Arnold to Auburn, will have a full summer to fine-tune the playbook and work with his new quarterback on timing, reads, and in-game adjustments.

Montgomery has previously worked with quarterbacks known for dual-threat ability and improvisational flair—traits that Arnold possesses in abundance. Auburn fans can expect a more aggressive downfield passing attack, enhanced by Arnold’s arm strength and ability to extend plays with his legs. If protection holds, this offense could be markedly more explosive than in years past.

Freeze’s boldness in making the decision publicly on a national platform also suggests he’s confident in the support surrounding Arnold, from both coaches and teammates. It creates a rallying point for the fan base heading into summer—a sense of identity and direction that has at times been missing in the post-Cam Newton, post-Malachai Frazier quarterback shuffle that Auburn has experienced.

It also puts Arnold squarely in the spotlight, something the sophomore transfer appears to embrace. At Oklahoma, Arnold showed flashes of brilliance in limited action, but never had the opportunity to take over the reins fully. Now, he steps into a starting role in the nation’s most pressure-packed conference, with sky-high expectations and a coaching staff fully invested in his development.

The reaction from Auburn fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media buzzing minutes after Freeze’s words aired. Many see this as the first definitive sign that Freeze’s rebuild is moving from theory to reality. Others are cautious but hopeful, remembering how crucial quarterback play has been in Auburn’s best seasons—and how damaging instability at the position has been in recent years.

Critics might argue that naming a starting quarterback this early in the offseason opens the door to complacency or increased pressure on a young player. But Freeze seems unfazed. “He’s built for it,” he said. “The spotlight won’t scare him. He welcomes the challenge, and we’re going to give him everything he needs to succeed.”

It’s worth noting that Freeze has consistently preached the importance of transparency and communication, both with his players and the fan base. Declaring Arnold QB1 on a national platform instead of through a press release or post-practice media scrum adds to the sense that Freeze is building something different at Auburn—a program grounded in clarity, purpose, and trust.

As summer workouts approach, all eyes will now be on Arnold—not just from within the Auburn community, but from across the SEC. How he performs under that microscope will go a long way in determining Auburn’s fate in a stacked Western Division.

The Tigers will face one of the most challenging schedules in the country, including road trips to Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. But for the first time in years, they enter the summer with a clear leader at quarterback, a coach who believes in him, and a team eager to follow.

Jackson Arnold is QB1. The Freeze era is taking shape. And Auburn football just got a lot more interesting.