Questions for CBS Sports Analysts The Impact of Jackson Arnold on the Auburn Tigers
Jackson Arnold has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in college football, and for good reason. As the Auburn Tigers look to make a statement in the competitive SEC landscape, the freshman quarterback’s arrival has raised both excitement and expectations among fans and analysts alike. His combination of skill, athleticism, and football IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for Auburn’s offense, and there are many questions surrounding how he will impact the team as they gear up for the 2025 season.
In light of Arnold’s recent commitment to Auburn and his potential to shape the Tigers’ future, we sat down with CBS Sports football analysts to discuss how the young quarterback will fit into the program, what he brings to the table, and what challenges he may face in his first year. Below are a series of questions posed to the analysts, exploring the full scope of Jackson Arnold’s potential impact on the Auburn Tigers.
1. Jackson Arnold’s Arrival at Auburn: What Makes Him Such a Highly Rated Prospect?
Q: Jackson Arnold enters Auburn as one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks of the 2025 class. What sets him apart from other quarterbacks in his class, and what do you think makes him such an exciting prospect for the Tigers?
CBS Analyst: “Jackson Arnold’s skill set is incredibly impressive. He has a natural arm talent, strong mechanics, and the ability to make all the throws required at the next level. What stands out most is his poise and decision-making, which is often hard to teach in a freshman. His ability to read defenses, go through his progressions, and make quick decisions is a huge plus. Additionally, he has a unique athleticism for a quarterback, which allows him to extend plays with his legs. His experience in high school, where he showcased a well-rounded game, should make him a smooth transition into the SEC. That blend of physical tools, mental sharpness, and leadership makes him an incredibly exciting addition to the Auburn program.”
2. Immediate Impact: Will Arnold Be the Starter Right Away?
Q: With a strong recruiting class and some solid quarterbacks already on the roster, do you think Arnold will have the chance to start immediately for Auburn, or will he face competition for the job?
CBS Analyst: “I think Jackson Arnold’s talent is undeniable, and there’s a good chance that he could step in and start right away, but that depends on the coaching staff’s strategy. We’ve seen in the past that fresh faces, especially ones with the kind of pedigree Arnold has, can earn starting roles quickly. However, Auburn has a relatively deep quarterback room, so Arnold will likely have to compete for the position during fall camp. The experience of the quarterbacks ahead of him—like Zach Calzada or Robbie Ashford, depending on how things shake out—will play a factor. Still, given Arnold’s ability to process the game and his physical talent, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the starting nod sooner rather than later.”
3. What Does Arnold Bring to Auburn’s Offense?
Q: How does Jackson Arnold’s skill set fit into the offensive scheme at Auburn? Will he be able to maximize the Tigers’ current system, or do they need to adjust the playbook to better suit his abilities?
CBS Analyst: “Jackson Arnold’s skill set is versatile enough to fit into multiple offensive systems. He can run a pro-style offense effectively, but his athleticism and dual-threat ability allow him to also thrive in a spread or RPO-heavy system. Auburn will likely tailor their offense around his strengths, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they feature more play-action and rollouts to capitalize on his mobility. His deep-ball accuracy is also a plus, so expect Auburn to take more shots down the field when he’s under center. The offensive coaching staff will likely build the playbook to highlight Arnold’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, which should help open up the offense and provide more opportunities for explosive plays.”
4. Transitioning to the SEC: What Challenges Will Arnold Face as a Freshman?
Q: While Jackson Arnold has been dominant in high school, college football—especially in the SEC—is a whole different animal. What are some of the biggest challenges Arnold will face in his transition to playing at Auburn and in the SEC?
CBS Analyst: “The SEC is arguably the toughest conference in college football, and transitioning from high school to that level is always challenging, even for the most talented players. For Arnold, one of the biggest challenges will be adjusting to the speed of the game. College defenses are faster, more complex, and more physically demanding than what he saw in high school. In addition to that, he’ll need to build chemistry with his offensive line and wide receivers quickly. The SEC has some of the best defensive coordinators in the country, so Arnold will need to be able to process blitzes, coverages, and defensive schemes at a much faster rate than he’s used to. Staying calm under pressure and maintaining his confidence will be crucial, especially early in the season when things may not go as smoothly.”
5. Support from the Offensive Line: How Will Auburn’s Offensive Line Impact Arnold’s Development?
Q: How crucial will Auburn’s offensive line be in Jackson Arnold’s development? What kind of protection will he need to succeed as a freshman?
CBS Analyst: “The offensive line is absolutely critical for any quarterback, and for a freshman like Arnold, it becomes even more important. A solid, experienced offensive line can give him the time he needs to go through his progressions and make the right decisions without rushing. Auburn’s offensive line will need to provide Arnold with adequate protection, especially considering the high-powered defensive lines in the SEC. If Arnold faces constant pressure, it could force him into bad decisions or premature throws, which could hurt his development. On the flip side, if the offensive line can give him time and protect him in the pocket, it will allow Arnold to showcase his full skill set and make the most of his physical and mental attributes.”
6. Supporting Cast: Who Are the Key Playmakers Around Arnold?
Q: Beyond Arnold’s individual talents, who are some key playmakers in Auburn’s offensive unit that can help him succeed in his first season?
CBS Analyst: “Auburn has some talented players around Arnold that could make life easier for him. Jarquez Hunter, the Tigers’ standout running back, is one of the most explosive players in the SEC, and his ability to make plays in both the run game and the passing game will help take pressure off Arnold. If Hunter can establish himself as a consistent weapon, it will force defenses to respect the run, which opens up opportunities for play-action and passing lanes down the field. On the outside, Malcolm Johnson Jr. and Koy Moore are both capable receivers who can stretch the field and give Arnold reliable targets. If Arnold has time to throw and his receivers can make plays, his transition to college football will be a lot smoother.”
7. Coaching Influence: What Role Will Auburn’s Coaching Staff Play in Arnold’s Development?
Q: How crucial will the Auburn coaching staff be in Jackson Arnold’s success? With the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in mind, what are your expectations for how they’ll develop him?
CBS Analyst: “The coaching staff, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, will play a critical role in Jackson Arnold’s development. Freeze has a long track record of developing quarterbacks and running successful offenses, and he’s known for adjusting his schemes to fit the talent at his disposal. Quarterback coach Derrick Nix will also have a significant influence on Arnold’s growth. Nix has worked with a number of successful quarterbacks, and his ability to teach fundamentals, reading defenses, and making quick decisions will be crucial for Arnold’s development. As a freshman, Arnold will need the support of his coaching staff to make the leap from high school to college. If Freeze and Nix can build a system around his strengths and provide the right guidance, Arnold has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.”
8. Auburn’s SEC Schedule: What Are the Key Games That Will Test Arnold’s Growth?
Q: Looking at Auburn’s 2025 SEC schedule, what games will be particularly important for Jackson Arnold’s development and for the team as a whole?
CBS Analyst: “Auburn’s SEC schedule is always tough, and there are a few games that will be pivotal for Arnold’s growth as a freshman. The annual showdown with Alabama in the Iron Bowl is always a high-pressure game, and it’s one that could test Arnold’s poise and ability to handle adversity. Playing on the road at Georgia and LSU will also be crucial tests, as those teams are among the toughest in the conference and will have some of the best defenses in the country. For Arnold, these games will be huge tests in terms of both his individual development and his ability to lead Auburn through difficult situations. If Auburn can remain competitive in these games, it would go a long way toward proving Arnold’s readiness for big-time college football.”
9. Long-Term Outlook: What Is the Ceiling for Jackson Arnold at Auburn?
Q: Looking ahead, what do you see as Jackson Arnold’s ceiling as a player at Auburn? Could he become one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC and nationally?
CBS Analyst: “Jackson Arnold has all the tools to be one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC and nationally. If he can continue to develop under Freeze and Nix, and if the team can provide him with the necessary support in terms of offensive line play and skill position players, Arnold could have a very successful career at Auburn. He has the potential to be a
dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs, and with the right development, he could eventually be in the conversation as one of the best quarterbacks in college football. His ceiling is incredibly high, and if he can stay healthy and keep progressing, Auburn could have a superstar on their hands for years to come.”
