Auburn football lands Jackson Arnold. Here's why the former Oklahoma QB chose the Tigers

Auburn football lands Jackson Arnold. Here’s why the former Oklahoma QB chose the Tigers

Posted by Admin December 14, 2024 Football

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AUBURN — Auburn football was in dire need of a QB1 this offseason, and Hugh Freeze and his staff have made a big splash in that regard.

Jackson Arnold, a former consensus five-star prospect and Oklahoma quarterback, announced his commitment to the Tigers on Saturday. Much like his status as a high school prospect, Arnold was highly regarded in this transfer portal cycle. He was a consensus top-50 portal prospect and a top-10 player at his position.

A rising junior, Arnold will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“The situation’s really good,” Arnold said following his Auburn visit. “It’s a great opportunity for somebody to come in and lead this program.”

Arnold was one of two quarterbacks Auburn looked at this portal cycle, with Duke transfer Maalik Murphy also visiting the Tigers. Murphy wrapped up his Auburn visit Thursday afternoon while Arnold wrapped his Saturday morning.

Here’s everything you need to know about Arnold’s commitment, including why he chose the Tigers, how he fits into their offense and what his addition means for the program.

Who is Jackson Arnold? On the Auburn football’s newest quarterback

Once a consensus five-star high school prospect, Arnold’s transfer standing is of a similar vein. He’s listed as a consensus top-50 portal prospect and a top-10 quarterback.

In two seasons with the Sooners, Arnold completed 62.9% of his passes for 1,984 yards. He threw 16 touchdowns to six interceptions and added another 560 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He also caught two passes for 16 yards and a touchdown.

He was Oklahoma’s starter this fall, but after making four starts, he was benched in favor of true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. during the Sooners’ loss to Tennessee. He returned after two weeks, not playing in the win over Auburn, but reappearing in Oklahoma’s loss to South Carolina.

He started Oklahoma’s final five regular-season games, and the former five-star’s numbers didn’t dip in all that time.

In all, he threw for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns in his 10 starts in 2024 while completing 62.6% of his passes and throwing just three interceptions. He also rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns this fall while recording his two career receptions.

The Duncan, Texas, native was highly recruited out of Guyer High School, and for good reason. He was a consensus five-star recruit and consensus top-five quarterback, with ESPN listing him as the third-best player in the class and top-ranked passer. He was also the 2022 National Gatorade Player of the Year and Elite 11 MVP.

Oklahoma beat out Notre Dame and Ole Miss for his commitment. He had 19 Power Five offers in total, with LSU, Ohio State, Penn State and Tennessee being among those to offer.

Why did Jackson Arnold choose Auburn football?

Arnold said his biggest priority for his next move was fit, and with how he feels about a Freeze-led coaching staff, it’s apparent he found that fit in Auburn.

“I knew something was different about these coaches,” Arnold said. “I’m very passionate about what they do, and (they’re) very passionate about recruiting me.”

Arnold said that, when the portal opened, he received a text from every Auburn offensive coach.

“I know I’m wanted here,” Arnold said.

The former Sooner was high on the amount of former quarterbacks on Auburn’s coaching staff, namely Freeze, quarterbacks coach Kent Austin and offensive analyst Jesse Stone.

“Having QBs coach the position, I think, is essential,” Arnold said. “And they’ve got a room full of them; a room full of knowledge, a room full of experience that can only help me untap my potential.”

What Jackson Arnold’s commitment means for Auburn football

Pound for pound, it would’ve been hard for Freeze to land a more optimal quarterback from the portal’s early entrants.

Oklahoma’s season was certainly underwhelming, but Arnold wasn’t necessarily lackluster. So, it’s a dual-edge sword in a sense, and an inevitable part of transfer recruiting. There’s a non-zero chance Arnold could underwhelm, but last season’s disappointments could be fuel to his fire.

He’s also confident in his ability to adjust to Freeze’s RPO offense; one which seemed to give former starter Payton Thorne troubles the past two seasons.

“I’m used to the RPO game, the RPO world,” Arnold said. “I’ve been running it since high school, so I think me being able to transition to an RPO offense, it’s something I already know how to do and something that I’ll transition to very well.”

The biggest concerns for Arnold’s addition don’t have much to do with him. The key will be protecting him, as he’s coming to Auburn from an Oklahoma squad that gave up 46 sacks — the third-worst mark in the FBS in 2024.

Auburn has struggled in that regard the past two seasons, but if it can bring in some bonafide pass protectors, it could set up Arnold for his best season yet.

Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at acole@gannett.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter.