When the season ended with the 28-14 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn knew they needed to continue to add talent. Quarterback was one position that had to be at the top of the list, especially with practically zero experience on the roster with transfer portal departures and Payton Thorne running out of eligibility. Early on Saturday morning, head coach Hugh Freeze and the Tigers were added to the room, with Jackson Arnold committing to Auburn after two years at Oklahoma.
Jackson Arnold to Auburn
Arnold Before Oklahoma
Early on Saturday morning, Pete Nakos of On3 reported that Arnold would be heading to the Tigers. Arnold was rated as a five-star when he committed to the Sooners in 2023. Arnold was also ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in the class and best overall player in Texas. He threw 67 touchdown passes in his final two seasons at Guyer High School in Denton, Texas. Arnold was recruited by current Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby, who was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma at the time.
Two Years in Oklahoma
For his freshman season in 2023, Arnold spent the year as the backup to Dillion Gabriel. Arnold had limited playing time in five games during the season but started against Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. In the 38-24 loss, Arnold threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions, but Arnold showed potential as the starter for the 2024 season.
To start this season, Arnold was the unquestioned starter going into the season. He did not keep that job for many weeks. The Sooners got off to a 3-0 start with Arnold throwing seven touchdowns and 484 yards. The offense had shown some struggles with the receiver position and the offensive line. He was benched after struggling in a 25-15 loss to Tennessee in favor of Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold would regain the starting job on October 19th when the Sooners played South Carolina. He would finish the season out as the starter, and Oklahoma ended with a 6-6 record. The highlight was a 24-3 win over Alabama. Arnold only threw for 68 yards, but picked up 131 rushing yards in the upset win.
Arriving at Auburn
What will Arnold at Auburn look like? While wide receiver was an issue at Oklahoma, the Tigers have a young group with plenty of talent. There was not a Cam Coleman on the Sooners roster, and the freshman really took a huge leap toward the end of the season. Coleman caught 37 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. Malcolm Simmons also showed promise throughout the season and Perry Thompson has the talent to be a top target.
The running ability of Arnold should come into play as well. Thorne was used as a feature in the Auburn running game during his two seasons on the plains. With the departure of star running back Jarquez Hunter, the Tigers will need new ways to get the rushing attack going. The current quarterback room now will feature Arnold with freshman Deuce Knight. While Walker White, Hank Brown, and Holden Geriner have all entered the transfer portal. The coaching staff will need to add two more quarterbacks through the portal to compete for the starting job.
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