In a major coup for Auburn’s football program, quarterback Jackson Arnold, who transferred from Oklahoma, has committed to the Tigers, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Max Olson on Saturday. Arnold’s signing gives head coach Hugh Freeze a talented, dynamic playmaker to help lead Auburn’s offense into a crucial phase of its rebuild following a tough 5-7 season.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Arnold, a sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, has been one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the transfer portal. A former five-star recruit, Arnold was the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2023 class and earned the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award as a senior in high school. His addition to the roster is seen as a game-changer for Auburn as Freeze looks to guide the Tigers back into SEC contention in his third year as head coach.
A Fresh Start in the SEC
Arnold’s decision to transfer to Auburn comes just days after entering the NCAA transfer portal. The Denton, Texas, native officially visited Auburn this past week, and his commitment followed shortly thereafter, solidifying his move within the SEC. The timing was crucial for Freeze, who was in dire need of a proven quarterback after losing 22-game starter Payton Thorne to graduation and watching backups Hank Brown and Holden Geriner seek opportunities elsewhere. Brown has already committed to Iowa.
For Arnold, Auburn represents a fresh start and an opportunity to make his mark in a new program. Last season at Oklahoma, he faced a variety of challenges, but still showed flashes of his immense potential. After serving as Dillon Gabriel’s backup in 2023, Arnold was thrust into the starting role for the Sooners’ Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona, and he started 10 games over the course of the season. Despite playing behind an injury-plagued offensive line and a depleted wide receiver corps, Arnold finished with 1,421 passing yards, 444 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns, and three interceptions.
However, Arnold’s journey was far from smooth. His struggles were highlighted in Oklahoma’s first SEC game against Tennessee, where he was benched before halftime after committing three turnovers. Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. took over and was later named the starter. Arnold, though, returned to the lineup after Hawkins faltered in a loss to South Carolina, but the struggles continued as the Sooners faced growing pains in their transition to SEC play.
Despite the adversity, Arnold’s play in Oklahoma’s stunning 24-3 upset of Alabama in November provided a glimpse of the talent that made him one of the top recruits in his class. He rushed for a career-high 131 yards on 25 carries, adding 68 passing yards while leading the Sooners to bowl eligibility. That victory over Alabama marked the highlight of a difficult season but also showcased Arnold’s ability to step up in big moments.
A New Opportunity at Auburn
At Auburn, Arnold will have the chance to work with an offense that is in the midst of a retooling process under Freeze’s direction. While the Tigers are losing key playmakers in running back Jarquez Hunter and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith to the NFL, Auburn’s 2024 recruiting class has brought in four highly rated freshman wide receivers: Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, and Bryce Cain. This influx of talent should provide Arnold with the weapons he needs to thrive.
While Auburn’s offense struggled mightily in 2024, averaging just 13.3 points per game in seven losses, the addition of Arnold is expected to serve as a major catalyst for improvement. With the Tigers already showing signs of promise late in the season, including a dramatic 43-41 win over Texas A&M in four overtimes, Arnold’s presence under center could push them to a higher level in the SEC.
The Road Ahead
The 2025 season is set to be a pivotal one for both Auburn and Arnold, as the Tigers look to take a major step forward in Freeze’s third year. One of the most intriguing matchups on the schedule will be Arnold’s return to Norman, where Auburn will face Oklahoma on Sept. 20 in what will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated game for the young quarterback.
For now, the focus is squarely on the present, and for Auburn, securing Arnold is a win in both the short and long term. With a two-year window to prove himself as the Tigers’ leader, Arnold’s arrival provides hope for a program that is looking to make a quick return to the SEC’s upper echelon. Auburn fans will be watching closely as Freeze and his staff continue to build the foundation for a program on the rise.
