Jackson Arnold’s Journey: From Oklahoma Struggles to Auburn’s Quarterback Battle
Jackson Arnold came into college football as a highly regarded five-star quarterback and the 10th overall recruit in the 2023 class. When he committed to Oklahoma, expectations were sky-high. However, his time with the Sooners didn’t unfold as hoped. After a turbulent 2024 season where he was benched during a chaotic stretch for the team, Arnold decided to transfer. Now, he’s looking to reboot his career at Auburn, but the road ahead may not be as straightforward as he hoped.
Despite a decent statistical showing in 2024—1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions—Arnold’s season was marked by inconsistency and team struggles. Auburn’s offensive scheme under head coach Hugh Freeze seems like a good fit for Arnold’s skill set. He’s embraced the challenge early, leading voluntary sessions with receivers and stepping into a leadership role, with many expecting him to take the QB1 spot.
But things got more complicated during spring practice.
On April 9, during a segment of the “Locked On Auburn” podcast, host Zac Blackerby and Auburn insider Darrell Dapprich discussed the unexpected rise of another quarterback: true freshman Deuce Knight. Dapprich admitted to some unease, saying he had heard reports from within the program suggesting that Knight had been outperforming Arnold in several key metrics—fewer interceptions, more touchdowns, and greater overall success in scrimmages.
This raised an uncomfortable question: Is Knight simply that good, or is Arnold falling short of expectations despite the resources invested in him?
Deuce Knight, who came to Auburn from George County High School in Mississippi, is far from an ordinary freshman. His natural ability and calm demeanor have impressed coaches and teammates alike during spring camp. Reports indicate that his current NIL valuation is around $950,000—an amount usually reserved for players expected to contribute immediately. That kind of number implies he’s being viewed as a serious contender, not just a developmental player.
Dapprich pointed out that if Knight’s performance is due to exceptional talent, it’s a win for Auburn. But if he’s closing the gap because Arnold isn’t living up to expectations, that would be more troubling.
Knight, for his part, isn’t getting caught up in the competition. He’s said his focus is solely on daily improvement and being a good teammate. Still, moments like his 35-yard touchdown pass to receiver Sam Turner during March practice show he’s capable of making big plays. Knight has spoken positively about his decision to come to Auburn, stating that playing in the SEC and under Hugh Freeze was a key part of his choice.
As for Arnold, he addressed the media on April 9, explaining his reasons for choosing Auburn over a rumored opportunity to reunite with former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby at Mississippi State. Arnold said Auburn’s early and persistent recruiting efforts after he entered the transfer portal made him feel wanted. What ultimately convinced him, though, was the compatibility between his style of play and Hugh Freeze’s offensive system.
He explained that he’s long been familiar with schemes similar to Freeze’s RPO-heavy approach. This familiarity allowed him to quickly adjust, make efficient decisions, and maintain accuracy early in practice. Arnold expressed confidence in how he’s adapted and in the potential of Auburn’s offense with him at the helm.
Still, as Auburn’s spring practice continues, Deuce Knight’s emergence looms large. While Arnold remains focused and motivated, the pressure to hold onto the starting job will only increase if Knight keeps performing at a high level.
As fall approaches, the quarterback competition at Auburn is heating up. What started as Jackson Arnold’s fresh start could quickly evolve into a battle with long-term implications for both players—and for the future of Auburn football.