Walker White’s Departure Adds Extra Heat to Auburn-Baylor 2025 Opener

When quarterback Walker White announced his transfer to Baylor on December 28th, it barely caused a ripple among Auburn Tigers fans. After all, the program had just landed two high-profile quarterbacks—5-star recruit Deuce Knight from the high school ranks and Jackson Arnold via the transfer portal. White’s departure felt inconsequential for a fanbase riding high on fresh talent and new hope.

White, a 4-star recruit with prototypical size and skills, entered Auburn with promise but never factored into the team’s plans during a turbulent 2024 season. The Tigers struggled mightily at quarterback, rotating between Payton Thorne and Hank Brown, yet White remained on the sidelines, a clear indication that Hugh Freeze’s coaching staff was looking elsewhere for solutions.

However, White’s exit has taken an intriguing turn. The once-quiet signal caller has found his voice—and he’s using it to stir the pot ahead of Baylor’s season-opening clash with Auburn on August 30, 2025.

“I’m planning on giving Auburn their first loss of the season, whether it’s me helping the team prepare for that or playing in it myself,” White boldly declared during an appearance on Locked on Baylor.

While Auburn fans might brush off his comments as posturing, White has undoubtedly added some spice to a matchup that already had plenty of intrigue. For a player who didn’t move the needle at Auburn, White has now drawn a target on his back, especially if he earns the starting job in time for the game.

A Target on White’s Back

To his credit, White acknowledged he might not be Baylor’s starter when the two programs meet. Baylor’s quarterback competition will undoubtedly be fierce, and White will need to earn his place under center. Should he fall short, he’ll be relegated to helping his new team prepare for the Tigers from the sideline—a role he knows all too well after his time at Auburn.

Even so, White’s words could come back to haunt him. With home-and-away games scheduled between Auburn and Baylor in 2025 and 2026, White has four years of eligibility to take his shots at his former team. Whether he succeeds or not, his comments will only intensify the scrutiny on his performance.

Auburn’s Perspective

From Auburn’s vantage point, the Tigers appear to have moved on with confidence. The addition of Knight and Arnold has revamped the quarterback room, giving the program a fresh start after a rocky season. However, Auburn fans know all too well how seemingly inferior programs can upset the balance. Hugh Freeze and his staff will need to be on high alert for a potential upset, especially with White adding extra motivation for Baylor.

While White’s tenure at Auburn offered little to suggest he’s a player the Tigers should fear, his potential success with the Bears could reflect poorly on Auburn’s development program. If White flourishes at Baylor, questions about Freeze’s ability to manage quarterbacks might arise, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

What’s Next for White?

For now, White’s focus needs to be on winning the starting job at Baylor. If he can’t earn that role, he risks becoming a frustrated spectator once again. But if he does succeed, his comments will only amplify the stakes of an already exciting 2025 season opener.

Auburn fans might dismiss White’s remarks as bravado, but with the date circled on both teams’ calendars, one thing is clear: this matchup just got a whole lot more interesting.