Auburn University’s football program wasted no time in addressing a key position need, securing former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold less than a week after the transfer portal opened. Arnold, who was one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, signed with the Tigers on Saturday, making him the first major transfer addition of Auburn’s 2024 recruiting cycle. This move signals a clear message from Auburn’s coaching staff, who are determined to turn things around under head coach Hugh Freeze following a challenging 2024 season.
Jackson Arnold: A Fresh Start in the SEC
Arnold, a sophomore who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 210 pounds, comes to Auburn after a rollercoaster sophomore year at Oklahoma. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he will be looking for a fresh start in the SEC. His decision to transfer to Auburn comes on the heels of a season filled with highs and lows in Norman, Oklahoma. Despite facing considerable challenges with the Sooners’ offense, Arnold showed flashes of his potential and is now poised to play a central role in Auburn’s efforts to become competitive in the SEC.
Auburn’s coaching staff, led by Freeze, wasted no time once Arnold entered the transfer portal. The Tigers immediately jumped into the mix, competing with other schools like Mississippi State and Georgia, who were also interested in the former five-star recruit. Arnold’s visit to Auburn’s campus earlier this month seemed to seal the deal, with the quarterback putting pen to paper before his departure.
A Dual-Threat Quarterback with Valuable Experience
During his time at Oklahoma, Arnold had an up-and-down sophomore campaign. He appeared in 10 games for the Sooners, finishing the season with 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 62.6% of his passes. In addition to his passing stats, Arnold added 444 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
Arnold’s first year as the starting quarterback came after Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon, leaving Arnold to take over for the Alamo Bowl and later the regular season. His season was filled with challenges, including inconsistent offensive line play and injuries to key receivers. Still, Arnold managed to put together some notable performances, including a standout effort in Oklahoma’s 24-3 upset of Alabama, where he ran for a career-high 131 yards and threw for 68 yards, helping the Sooners secure bowl eligibility.
Oklahoma transfer QB Jackson Arnold joins Auburn pic.twitter.com/jp3Eoichow
— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) December 14, 2024
A Challenging Year for Oklahoma and Arnold
While Arnold showed promise, his sophomore year was not without its struggles. The Sooners’ offense, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, failed to meet expectations. Oklahoma’s offensive line shuffled frequently, and the team’s top wide receivers missed significant time due to injuries. These issues contributed to Oklahoma’s disappointing 6-6 season, with a 2-6 record in SEC play, and Arnold faced challenges adjusting to a new conference and its rigorous defenses.
The low point of the season came in the Sooners’ first SEC game against Tennessee, where Arnold was benched before halftime after committing three turnovers. Though he regained the starting role later in the season, it was clear that Arnold had not yet fully settled into the starting role. Despite these struggles, Arnold’s raw talent and athleticism remained evident, which is why Auburn quickly saw the potential for a fresh start under a new system.
Auburn’s Quarterback Room Takes Shape for 2025
With the addition of Jackson Arnold, Auburn now has three scholarship quarterbacks for the 2025 season: Arnold, redshirt freshman Walker White, and true freshman Deuce Knight. This trio will compete for the starting position under Hugh Freeze’s guidance. Arnold’s dual-threat ability brings a different dynamic to the quarterback room, adding to the competition and giving Auburn flexibility in its offensive game plan.
Auburn’s quarterback situation became a key priority after the Tigers’ 2024 season ended with a 5-7 record. With Payton Thorne graduating and backups Hank Brown and Holden Geriner transferring, Auburn needed a proven quarterback to lead its offense. Arnold, with his SEC experience and high ceiling, could be the piece that helps Auburn take the next step.
In addition to Arnold, Auburn is bringing in several talented players on offense, including four highly regarded freshman wide receivers: Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, and Bryce Cain. With these new additions, Auburn’s offensive future looks promising, but it will rely heavily on Arnold to guide the unit and take charge in the tough SEC.
The Road Ahead: SEC Challenges and Opportunities
Auburn’s 2024 season was full of ups and downs, with the Tigers fighting their way to a 5-7 record despite a tough start. A key issue was the team’s offensive struggles, with the Tigers averaging just 13.3 points per game in their seven losses. With Arnold now aboard, Auburn will be hoping that his dual-threat abilities, leadership, and experience can help the team rebound and find success in Freeze’s third season at the helm.
The Tigers will face stiff competition in the SEC, but the combination of Arnold at quarterback and a talented group of freshmen on offense has Auburn fans excited for the future. Auburn’s first SEC game with Arnold at the helm will come in a highly anticipated matchup against his former team, Oklahoma, on September 20, 2025. It’s a chance for Arnold to show that the struggles of his sophomore year are behind him and that he is ready to lead Auburn into a new era of football.
Auburn’s Aggressive Approach in the Transfer Portal
With Arnold now in the fold, Auburn is expected to be active in the transfer portal throughout the rest of the month, aiming to add more pieces to help the team take the next step. Freeze has made it clear that improving the roster is a top priority, and Arnold’s signing is just the beginning of what could be an exciting offseason for Auburn football. With new talent on the way, including Arnold and the incoming freshmen, Auburn’s coaching staff is preparing for a more competitive and dynamic team in 2025.
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