Auburn football made waves once again this offseason, making critical moves to rebuild after the 2024 season. With many of the team’s top offensive playmakers out of eligibility, the Tigers had no choice but to reload. This time, however, fans are hopeful that these changes will finally spark a resurgence.
The key to that turnaround? Transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold. But his success or failure could make or break Auburn’s season.
Arnold, who struggled as a freshman at Oklahoma, was dubbed the Tigers’ most impactful newcomer by 247 Sports’ Brad Crawford. However, Crawford also issued a stark warning: if Arnold doesn’t thrive in Hugh Freeze’s system, Auburn could be in trouble.
“Despite Auburn’s struggles with turnovers last season, the offense still managed to generate explosive plays through the air. Many of those playmakers are returning, along with some new additions from the portal,” Crawford noted. “Former Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold should benefit from an improved offensive line. That’s right after being benched during Oklahoma’s downward spiral, Arnold could emerge as one of the SEC’s best in 2025. But after being sacked 34 times in 10 starts including 16 times in losses to South Carolina and Ole Miss Freeze must hit a grand slam with this acquisition. If not, the consequences could be dire.”
Crawford isn’t alone in his concerns. AL.com’s Peter Rauterkus echoed the sentiment when Arnold committed to Auburn in December, emphasizing that Freeze’s future could depend on this decision.
“Freeze needs this move to work. After Thorne’s struggles in 2023 and opting not to pursue a transfer QB in 2024, his job security could hinge on Arnold’s success,” Rauterkus wrote, pointing out that Freeze passed on proven options like Fernando Mendoza, Miller Moss, Maalik Murphy, and Darian Mensah.
“For better or worse, this is the risk Freeze was willing to take. Now, it’s up to him and his staff to unlock Arnold’s potential.”
There’s no doubt that skepticism is warranted. Both Arnold and Freeze have made their choices Arnold leaving Norman and Freeze banking his future on an unproven QB. Now, they must prove they were right.
If the duo delivers wins, they’ll be celebrated as Auburn’s saviors. The fanbase has endured enough frustration. Auburn is desperate for a winner and all eyes are on Arnold to see if he can finally bring one to East Central Alabama.
