So here’s a brief history run. Jackson Arnold. That former 5-star QB and the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2023 class. Joined Oklahoma with high expectations. Things didn’t pan out. Now, he’s looking for a fresh start in Auburn. But the question is: Is it going to be a straight path ahead? 

Jackson Arnold jumped ship to Auburn this offseason after a rough 2024 that saw him benched in the middle of a chaotic Sooners season. He’s coming off a 1,421-yard, 12-TD season with just three picks, which isn’t bad, all things considered. And the fit with Hugh Freeze’s offense? Honestly, kind of perfect. He’s been quick on the uptake, organizing sessions with receivers and stepping into that leadership role as the projected QB1. But here’s where things get really interesting. 

Zac Blackerby, host of Locked on Auburn, dropped a bit of a bomb on his show on April 9. “Is Deuce really playing better than Jackson throughout spring?” “I don’t know how to feel. There’s a part of me that’s concerned,” Auburn reporter Darrell Dapprich confessed. “Because I hear some of these unofficial statistics from people that are there. And it sounds like Deuce Knight’s throwing less interceptions, more touchdowns, having more success. That’s concerning to me because you went out and you targeted Jackson Arnold. You spent a lot of money to get him. You would expect him to be the clear-cut front runner. Does it say more about Deuce Knight, or does it say more about Jackson Arnold? That’s where I’m struggling.” Well, Deuce Knight isn’t your typical freshman. 

Coming out of George County High School in Mississippi, Deuce Knight is the future of Auburn football. He’s already turning heads in spring practice. He has a reported NIL valuation of $950,000. And that’s not just hype money, it’s like starter money! “I’m not concerned if it’s ‘Oh my God Deuce Knight is just incredible as a freshman’… If it’s that – then great,” Dapprich said. “If it’s that Arnold isn’t as accomplished, polished, as good as Auburn thought, so that’s why Deuce looks better and is closing the gap, then I’m concerned.”

Deuce Knight is as cool as ever about his stance on the QB1 competition. “I’m just going out every day trying to get better. I’m not thinking about all that stuff,” he said. “Just trying to get better each and every day. Just trying to be the best teammate I can. And that’s about it.” He’s locked in, splitting reps with Jackson Arnold, and has shown flashes. That 35-yard TD pass to WR Sam Turner in March, for instance. And he’s happy where he is. “I feel like this was the best place for me playing in the SEC, playing under Coach Hugh Freeze,” he stated. And back to Jackson Arnold, what’s his latest update?

Jackson Arnold feels confident in Hugh Freeze’s offense 

When Jackson Arnold first met with the media as a Tiger on April 9, he explained why he chose Auburn over a rumoured reunion with ex-Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby at Mississippi State. “I think just them persistently recruiting me early. They were one of the first teams to hit me up out of the portal,” he recounted. “It’s nice to feel wanted.” 

But what really sold him? It’s Hugh Freeze’s system. “My scheme has always been very similar to what Coach Freeze runs,” Jackson Arnold said. “I know what he expects out of the RPO system, and just his system in general… I was able to pick up the offense really quick and be efficient early on with decision-making and accuracy and whatnot.” 

Jackson Arnold’s locked in. He’s confident. He’s putting in the work. But as spring rolls on, so does the shadow of Deuce Knight, who might force an uncomfortable conversation before fall even hits.