Jackson Arnold may be Auburn’s starting quarterback in 2025, but that hasn’t changed the optimism for five-star freshman signal caller Deuce Knight.

As the 2025 Auburn football season approaches, all eyes are on the Tigers’ quarterback situation, which has been one of the program’s most hotly debated topics in recent years. After a turbulent stretch of inconsistency at the position, the hiring of head coach Hugh Freeze brought a new sense of hope and optimism to the Plains. While it’s widely believed that Jackson Arnold, a highly regarded transfer quarterback, is poised to take the starting job, there’s another name that’s creating plenty of buzz: five-star freshman Deuce Knight.

Knight, one of the most highly anticipated recruits in Auburn’s recent history, arrived on campus with an immense amount of fanfare, and it’s not hard to see why. The 6’4”, 215-pound signal caller from is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and poise in the pocket has made him a favorite among Auburn fans who are eager for a new era of excellence at the quarterback position. But despite his undeniable talent and the excitement surrounding his potential, Knight’s path to being Auburn’s starting quarterback in 2025 isn’t a clear one — at least not yet.

With Jackson Arnold’s arrival from the transfer portal, Auburn now has two quarterbacks in the mix with the tools to lead the offense. Arnold, who spent time developing under one of college football’s top quarterbacks in has been lauded for his leadership, experience, and poise under pressure. His calm demeanor and impressive ability to read defenses have already caught the attention of Freeze and his staff. It’s these qualities that make Arnold the presumed frontrunner to be Auburn’s starting quarterback for 2025.

That being said, it’s important to note that Freeze’s philosophy has always been to create a healthy competition, and it’s clear that Knight, despite being a freshman, will not be given the position simply because of his recruiting rankings. While Arnold may be ahead in terms of experience and the understanding of Freeze’s offensive system, Deuce Knight brings a unique set of attributes that make him a viable contender for the starting job.

A Battle of Experience vs. Potential

At first glance, it’s easy to see why many think Jackson Arnold is the favorite to take the starting role. After all, experience in the SEC is a valuable commodity, and Arnold’s time atas given him a leg up. Arnold is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having played in big games and showcased his ability to step up when it matters most. His performance in the transfer portal drew the attention of several top-tier programs, and Auburn’s coaching staff wasted no time bringing him on board.

Arnold’s skill set is well-suited for Freeze’s offense, which emphasizes balanced playcalling, quick decision-making, and the ability to stretch the field both through the air and on the ground. While he may not possess the raw physical gifts that Knight does, Arnold’s decision-making and leadership abilities have made him a trusted option at the quarterback position. His experience running a fast-paced offense should allow him to acclimate quickly to Freeze’s system, and his ability to remain calm under pressure gives Auburn the stability it needs at the quarterback position.

However, while Arnold’s experience is undoubtedly an asset, there’s something special about Deuce Knight that cannot be overlooked: potential. Knight’s combination of size, mobility, and arm strength is rare, even in the SEC. His ability to make all the throws, combined with his natural athleticism and ability to extend plays with his legs, has made him one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the country. His mechanics and footwork have drawn praise from scouts and analysts alike, and his deep ball accuracy is among the best in his class.

Moreover, Knight is not just a physical specimen; his maturity on the field and mental toughness have impressed coaches and teammates since he first arrived on campus. His ability to process information quickly and make the right decisions under pressure suggests that he has the mental makeup to succeed at the highest level. Knight also has a knack for creating explosive plays, which is exactly what Freeze’s offense needs in order to thrive in the hyper-competitive SEC.

There’s no denying that Jackson Arnold is a proven commodity, but Deuce Knight’s potential to push for the starting job cannot be understated. While Arnold has the experience, Knight has the tools to be a difference-maker in Freeze’s offense. Here are several reasons why Knight could challenge for the role of starting quarterback:

1. Elite Physical Traits

Deuce Knight’s physical attributes set him apart from many of his peers. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 pounds, Knight has the ideal frame for an SEC quarterback. He possesses a strong arm that allows him to make all the throws, whether it’s a deep ball down the sideline or a quick out to the perimeter. His arm strength is matched by his accuracy, and his ability to put touch on passes over the middle of the field is something that Freeze will undoubtedly appreciate.

Moreover, Knight’s mobility is a major asset. He’s an exceptional athlete for his size, with the ability to evade pressure in the pocket and make plays with his legs. Freeze’s offense relies on creating space and attacking defenses from multiple angles, and Knight’s dual-threat ability could make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain.

2. High Football IQ

Deuce Knight’s understanding of the game is far beyond his years. Despite being a freshman, he’s already shown a remarkable ability to process information quickly and make the right decisions under pressure. This ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage is crucial in Freeze’s system, which emphasizes quick decision-making and adaptability.

Knight’s mental makeup is something that Freeze has specifically pointed to as a strength. Freeze has often talked about the importance of a quarterback who can maintain composure in stressful situations, and Knight has demonstrated time and time again that he has the mental toughness to succeed in those moments.

3. Work Ethic and Leadership

While the physical tools are there, what has truly impressed Auburn’s coaching staff is Knight’s work ethic and leadership qualities. From the moment he stepped on campus, Knight has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. He’s known for his tireless work ethic in the film room, where he spends hours breaking down film and learning about the intricacies of Freeze’s offense.

Leadership is another area where Knight stands out. Despite being a freshman, Knight has shown the ability to command a huddle, communicate with his teammates, and inspire confidence in others. This is critical in a quarterback, especially in a program like Auburn, where expectations are high and the pressure is intense.

4. The Ability to Create Explosive Plays

In today’s modern college football landscape, the ability to generate explosive plays is essential. Deuce Knight’s natural ability to make big plays — both through the air and on the ground — makes him a dangerous weapon in Freeze’s offense. His ability to push the ball downfield with precision, combined with his speed and agility, allows him to break off big gains at any moment.

Auburn’s offense has been criticized in recent years for its inability to create explosive plays consistently. With Knight under center, Freeze has the potential to unlock a new dimension in the offense, one that can stretch the field vertically and put pressure on opposing defenses. Knight’s deep-ball accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a perfect fit for what Freeze wants to do on offense.

While Deuce Knight’s emergence certainly adds intrigue to Auburn’s quarterback situation, it doesn’t mean that Jackson Arnold is on the hot seat. If anything, it provides an exciting opportunity for both quarterbacks to develop in a competitive environment. Arnold has the experience and knowledge of the system to be a steady, reliable option for Auburn in 2025. His leadership and ability to execute Freeze’s offense will be crucial for the Tigers’ success, and it’s likely that Arnold will begin the season as the starting quarterback.

However, Freeze has always emphasized the importance of competition, and Knight’s presence in the quarterback room will undoubtedly push Arnold to improve. If Arnold struggles or if Knight continues to impress in practice, Freeze could choose to give the freshman a shot to start. Knight’s upside is too great to ignore, and if he continues to develop at the pace he has been, there’s a real possibility that he could take over the starting role sooner rather than later.

Regardless of who ultimately wins the starting job, Auburn’s quarterback room is in good hands. Both Arnold and Knight possess the skills, intelligence, and leadership qualities necessary to thrive in Freeze’s system. The competition between the two will only make each player better and will help elevate Auburn’s offense as a whole.

For Deuce Knight, the 2025 season could be the beginning of a long and successful career at Auburn. If he doesn’t start right away, the future is still incredibly bright for the young quarterback. His raw talent, combined with his work ethic and mental toughness, gives him all the tools needed to lead Auburn back to the top of the SEC in the coming years. Regardless of whether it’s Arnold or Knight under center this season, Auburn fans can be excited about the direction the Tigers are heading — and the potential that both quarterbacks bring to the table.

As Hugh Freeze continues to build his vision for Auburn football, the presence of both Jackson Arnold and Deuce Knight is a sign that the program is in a strong position to succeed for years to come. Whether it’s the seasoned veteran or the five-star freshman, Auburn’s future at quarterback has never looked brighter.