As the Auburn Tigers gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on the quarterback battle. With Payton Thorne gone and Hugh Freeze looking to make a statement in his second full year at the helm, the race under center is one of the most intriguing in the SEC. However, according to one college football analyst, it may not be much of a race at all.
During a recent segment on The College Football Report, CFB analyst Greg Daniels broke down why the starting quarterback job is Jackson Arnold’s to lose heading into the summer. Arnold, the former five-star recruit who transferred from Oklahoma this offseason, brings both pedigree and promise to an Auburn offense that struggled to find consistency in 2024.
Experience and Talent Over Uncertainty
Daniels pointed out that while Auburn has other quarterbacks in the room—such as rising sophomore Hank Brown and redshirt freshman Walker White—none bring the level of experience that Arnold possesses.
“Arnold was a high-profile recruit for a reason,” Daniels said. “He was supposed to be the future at Oklahoma, and in the limited action he saw last season, he flashed everything you want in a modern quarterback—mobility, arm talent, and confidence.”
While Arnold saw limited playing time in Norman, his performances in spot duty and practices turned heads. His ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield aligns well with what Freeze wants to do offensively.
Hugh Freeze’s History with Dual-Threat QBs
Another reason Arnold has the edge is Hugh Freeze’s track record with quarterbacks who can move. From Malik Willis at Liberty to Chad Kelly at Ole Miss, Freeze has historically thrived with playmakers who can operate outside of structure.
“Freeze wants a guy who can make plays when things break down,” Daniels explained. “Arnold gives Auburn that dynamic element, which is something they were missing last year with Payton Thorne. If Freeze is serious about modernizing this offense, Arnold has to be the guy.”
Spring Performance Will Be Crucial
While Daniels believes it’s Arnold’s job to lose, he also acknowledged that the quarterback still has to prove it in spring practice and fall camp. Auburn fans have seen talented transfers fizzle before, and Arnold will have to avoid any complacency.
“Hugh Freeze isn’t just going to hand the job to Arnold—he’ll have to earn it,” Daniels said. “But unless someone drastically outperforms him in the spring, I don’t see a scenario where he’s not starting in Week 1.”
Auburn’s 2025 Outlook
If Arnold does secure the starting job, Auburn could be one of the more intriguing teams in the SEC this season. With a revamped offensive system, talented running backs, and an improving defense, the Tigers have the potential to take a big step forward.
The first real test will come when Auburn faces off against USC in Week 2—a game that could serve as a proving ground for Arnold and the new-look offense.
For now, the battle continues, but as Greg Daniels put it:
“This is Jackson Arnold’s job to lose. And unless something crazy happens, he’s going to be the guy leading Auburn into 2025.”