Jackson Arnold’s Arrival at Auburn: Can He End the Tigers’ Quarterback Struggles?
Auburn is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-7 season in 2024 under head coach Hugh Freeze, largely due to inconsistent quarterback play. The Tigers are now facing a major shift at the quarterback position following the departure of Payton Thorne, whose tenure at Auburn failed to live up to the promise he showed at Michigan State in 2023. The contrast between Thorne’s struggles and the arrival of Jackson Arnold, a highly regarded quarterback, presents an intriguing storyline as Auburn looks to move forward.
Arnold, who played for Oklahoma last season, recorded 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions, in addition to rushing for three touchdowns. However, his performance did not significantly elevate the Sooners’ offense, leading to his decision to transfer. Despite his underwhelming season in Norman, the expectation is that he will not carry those struggles with him to Auburn. The upcoming spring practices will be a crucial period for evaluating whether Freeze’s decision to bring Arnold into the program through the transfer portal was the right one.
High Expectations for Jackson Arnold at Auburn
Arnold’s transition to Auburn will not be without challenges, as he faces competition from fellow quarterbacks Ashton Daniels and Deuce Knight. To solidify himself as the starting quarterback, Arnold must demonstrate why Freeze should trust him to reshape Auburn’s offense, which has often been overshadowed by its strong defense.
Some of Arnold’s struggles at Oklahoma were due to factors beyond his control, including a lack of depth at wide receiver. Recognizing this, Freeze has taken steps to strengthen Auburn’s receiving corps, ensuring Arnold has more reliable targets. Analysts believe that while Arnold’s tenure at Oklahoma may raise concerns for Auburn fans, it should not be viewed as an indication of his true potential.
One analyst emphasized that Arnold does not need to meet the lofty expectations set for him as a high school recruit to be successful at Auburn. Instead, his primary focus should be on avoiding turnovers and managing the complexity of Freeze’s offensive system. The sentiment is that Arnold’s performance at Oklahoma was impacted by an unstable offensive system, making it difficult to assess his true abilities. With a more supportive environment at Auburn, he has the opportunity to prove himself.
Arnold will have the advantage of working with a strong receiving unit, featuring playmakers such as Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, and Perry Thompson. This offensive support should help him move past his struggles at Oklahoma and establish a new identity in Auburn’s system.
The Pressure on Hugh Freeze in His Third Year
While Arnold’s development is a key storyline, the 2025 season is also a pivotal year for head coach Hugh Freeze. Now entering his third season with Auburn, Freeze faces increasing pressure to deliver results. His contract extends through 2028, but patience is wearing thin among fans and stakeholders who expected Auburn to be more competitive by this point.
Although Freeze has built strong recruiting classes, his ability to translate that talent into success on the field remains uncertain. His reputation as an offensive-minded coach has yet to materialize in Auburn’s results, with two seasons of underwhelming quarterback play under his leadership. The Tigers have struggled against even lesser opponents, suffering losses to teams such as New Mexico State, California, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma.
When Freeze was hired in late 2022, his return to the SEC generated significant buzz, with many believing he was the right fit to revitalize Auburn’s football program. However, after compiling an 11-14 overall record and a 5-11 mark in SEC play, the program’s progress has been slower than expected.
To turn things around, Freeze must ensure that Arnold—or whoever wins the starting quarterback job—can effectively lead the offense. With improved personnel around him, Arnold has the tools to succeed, but the onus is on Freeze to maximize his potential and avoid the mistakes that have plagued Auburn’s offense in recent years.
As the 2025 season approaches, the question remains: Can Jackson Arnold break Auburn’s cycle of quarterback struggles, or will the team continue to be held back under Freeze’s leadership? The answer to that question will shape the future of Auburn football.