Hugh Freeze Shuts Down QB Speculation, Names Jackson Arnold Auburn’s Starter
When Oklahoma transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold missed Auburn’s spring game due to a minor injury, it left the door open for speculation—especially after impressive freshman Deuce Knight delivered a strong A-Day performance. But Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze put those rumors to rest on Wednesday, firmly naming Arnold his starting quarterback during an interview with Mike Gittens of the War Rapport.
With Freeze entering his third year and coming off back-to-back losing seasons, including a disappointing 5–7 finish in 2024, he faces mounting pressure to get the quarterback decision right. Naming Arnold, a redshirt sophomore and former five-star recruit, as the starter reflects Freeze’s priority: experience and stability at the position.
Arnold Brings Experience; Knight’s Development Must Be Managed
This offseason, Arnold was a key pickup for Auburn after losing his starting role at Oklahoma to freshman Michael Hawkins. Auburn offered him a chance to reset in a more talent-rich environment, with weapons like former five-star receiver Cam Coleman and Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr. boosting the offense.
However, Knight’s standout spring showing sparked a wave of hype. At 6’4″ and 213 pounds, with a strong left arm and elite athleticism (he’s a two-time Mississippi long jump state champion), Knight has tremendous upside. But Freeze is taking a cautious approach, aiming to develop the freshman properly rather than rushing him into action.
By publicly backing Arnold, Freeze is also protecting Knight’s long-term growth—avoiding the common trap of pushing athletic young quarterbacks too early, which can lead to reliance on raw physical talent instead of honing key fundamentals.
Freeze’s decision isn’t just about Week 1; it’s about managing the delicate balance between winning now and building for the future. Ending talk of a quarterback battle helps reinforce Arnold’s confidence while ensuring Knight has the time and space to reach his full potential.
