Auburn Tigers Podcast: Jackson Arnold was ranked TOO LOW on the new quarterback rankings.

In the world of college football recruiting and rankings, debates over player evaluations and rankings often spark passionate discussions among fans, analysts, and coaches. One such recent discussion has centered around the rankings of quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, particularly the ranking of Jackson Arnold, a standout quarterback from Guthrie, Oklahoma. According to the latest quarterback rankings, Arnold was placed too low compared to other top-tier quarterbacks, and the Auburn Tigers podcast team is here to break down why that might be a mistake and what Arnold’s true potential could mean for college football moving forward.

As the recruiting process becomes more sophisticated, players are increasingly scrutinized and evaluated at a young age. These rankings play a massive role in shaping a player’s reputation, future opportunities, and college commitments. For Jackson Arnold, a player who has demonstrated significant promise and potential on the field, many experts and fans feel the latest ranking doesn’t do him justice.

Jackson Arnold: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the specific issues with his ranking, let’s take a moment to highlight Jackson Arnold’s background and achievements. Standing tall at 6 feet, 1 inch, and weighing in at 195 pounds, Arnold has been an incredibly productive quarterback throughout his high school career. Playing for Guthrie High School in Oklahoma, he has amassed an impressive collection of accolades and accomplishments, including leading his team to multiple state championships.

In his junior season, Arnold threw for over 4,500 yards, racking up 50 touchdowns and demonstrating elite accuracy, arm strength, and the ability to read defenses at a high level. His mobility in the pocket and playmaking ability outside of structure have drawn comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in recent memory. Scouts have praised his poise under pressure, his ability to make all the throws, and his strong work ethic, which has undoubtedly helped him ascend to the top of recruiting boards.

The Case for Jackson Arnold’s Ranking

Despite his success on the field and glowing reviews from analysts, Arnold was ranked lower than many would have expected in the latest quarterback rankings for the 2025 recruiting class. Many argue that Arnold’s current ranking doesn’t reflect his true potential and that he should have been placed higher among the elite quarterbacks.

Here are several reasons why Jackson Arnold deserves to be ranked higher:

1. Elite Production in High School: Arnold’s performance at Guthrie High School is not just impressive; it is dominant. His stats speak for themselves, as he has been able to perform at an incredibly high level in one of the most competitive states for high school football. While many of the top quarterbacks in his class have played in more nationally recognized programs, Arnold has been able to shine and lead his team to championships. His high school production in terms of yards, touchdowns, and overall efficiency is as good as anyone in the country.
2. Physical Tools and Athleticism: One of the key aspects of Arnold’s game is his physical ability. At 6 feet 1 inch and 195 pounds, Arnold possesses a build that is ideal for the quarterback position. He has a quick release, elite arm strength, and the ability to throw on the run. His athleticism and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a dual-threat quarterback, something that modern offenses are increasingly looking for. His mobility allows him to escape pressure in the pocket and make plays downfield, a skill that is invaluable in today’s fast-paced college football landscape.
3. Strong Football IQ and Leadership: Football IQ is often the differentiator between good quarterbacks and great quarterbacks. Arnold has demonstrated a strong understanding of offensive schemes, defensive coverages, and how to attack opposing defenses. He excels at reading the field and making adjustments on the fly. Additionally, his leadership qualities have been widely praised. His ability to rally his team and his calm demeanor in clutch situations have made him the leader on his high school team and set him up to succeed at the next level.
4. National Recognition: Arnold has already garnered attention from top-tier college football programs, which speaks to his value as a quarterback. He has received offers from several elite schools and is ranked among the top quarterbacks in his class by many recruiting outlets. His recruitment has attracted attention from powerhouses such as the University of Oklahoma, and Alabama, which speaks volumes about his talent and potential at the next level.

The Case Against Jackson Arnold’s Ranking: Where Did He Fall Short?

While it’s easy to argue in favor of Arnold’s ranking being too low, it’s important to understand the nuances of the recruiting process and why he might have been placed where he was. Here are some potential reasons behind Arnold’s position:

1. Competition and Level of Play: One of the biggest criticisms of Arnold’s ranking is the level of competition he faces in high school. Oklahoma high school football, while competitive, isn’t always viewed as being at the same level as football in states like California, Texas, or Florida. Some scouts argue that Arnold hasn’t been tested by the same caliber of opponents that other quarterbacks in his class have faced. This could have contributed to his ranking being lower than other quarterbacks who have played in more nationally recognized high school programs or in states with deeper football talent pools.
2. Potential for Development: While Arnold’s skill set is undeniably impressive, some analysts may have concerns about his potential for further development. His mechanics, although solid, could still be refined, and there may be questions about his ability to adapt to the faster pace of college football. The gap between high school and college is substantial, and some evaluators may have concerns about whether Arnold will be able to make the leap and succeed at the collegiate level, especially in the tougher conferences.
3. The Strength of the Recruiting Class: The 2025 recruiting class is stacked with talent at the quarterback position, which means that even players with exceptional skills may be ranked lower due to the sheer competition at the top. Quarterbacks like Arch Manning (from Texas), Dante Moore (from California), and Malachi Nelson (from California) have all garnered significant attention and are widely regarded as elite prospects. In a year with so many talented quarterbacks, it’s understandable that Arnold may not have the same level of hype, despite his incredible potential.
4. Overemphasis on Athleticism Over Fundamentals: One of the criticisms of modern recruiting rankings is that there is sometimes too much emphasis on raw athleticism and physical traits over traditional quarterbacking fundamentals such as decision-making, pocket presence, and throwing mechanics. While Arnold certainly has the physical tools to succeed, his ranking may reflect a broader trend in recruiting where athletes with more “elite” traits are placed higher, regardless of their raw football intelligence or technical skills.

Why Arnold is a Future Star

Despite the criticisms of his current ranking, Jackson Arnold is a player who possesses all the traits to succeed at the highest level of college football. He has the physical tools, the work ethic, and the mental fortitude to overcome the challenges he will face at the next level. His ability to make every throw on the field, his poise in the pocket, and his ability to escape pressure make him a dynamic player with a bright future ahead.

In the world of college football, rankings often fluctuate and are subject to revision as players develop, perform, and showcase their abilities. Arnold may have been ranked lower than expected, but that does not mean he will remain in that position for long. As he continues to grow and impress scouts and coaches at the next level, expect his ranking to rise, as well as his stock as a future NFL prospect.