Auburn is actively pursuing quarterback reinforcements in the transfer portal, and one of the most prominent names emerging in the early stages is former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold. Arnold officially entered the transfer portal on Monday, and reports suggest he is a top target for Auburn’s coaching staff. According to 247Sports, Arnold is scheduled to visit Auburn on Thursday, signaling mutual interest between the player and the program.
Arnold, who spent two seasons at Oklahoma, showed flashes of potential during his time in Norman. Over 10 games in the 2024 season, Arnold accumulated 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite a midseason benching, he rebounded to finish the year on a strong note. His dual-threat capability became more evident in the latter half of the season, as he racked up 444 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. His standout performance came in Oklahoma’s upset win over Alabama, where he showcased his mobility with 131 rushing yards on 25 carries.
While Auburn is a strong contender for Arnold, Mississippi State has also emerged as a major player in his recruitment. Arnold shares a connection with Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby, who previously worked with him at Oklahoma during the 2023 season. On3 has identified Mississippi State as a “top school to watch” for Arnold, with some analysts predicting he could land in Starkville. This sets up a competitive battle between the Tigers and Bulldogs for the talented quarterback.
If Arnold chooses Auburn, he likely won’t be the only quarterback joining the program through the portal. The Tigers are currently thin at the position following the departures of Payton Thorne, Hank Brown, and Holden Geriner. Auburn now has just two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, and head coach Hugh Freeze has expressed his intention to carry four scholarship quarterbacks moving forward. This means the Tigers will need to secure at least two quarterbacks through the transfer market to meet that goal.
Another player Auburn is monitoring is Stanford transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels. Like Arnold, Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who could be a good fit for Freeze’s offense. In 2024, Daniels threw for 1,700 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while adding 669 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. With both Arnold and Daniels on their radar, Auburn is clearly prioritizing quarterbacks who can make plays with both their arms and legs.
Arnold’s decision could have a significant impact on Auburn’s roster-building strategy for the 2025 season. His visit to Auburn this week will provide him an opportunity to assess the program and for the coaching staff to make their pitch. Adding a player of Arnold’s caliber would bolster the Tigers’ quarterback depth and provide a dynamic option to lead the offense. Meanwhile, the competition from Mississippi State ensures this recruitment will be closely watched as it unfolds.
