Auburn QB battle: Hugh Freeze reveals plan to use backups in offense

QB Jackson Arnold is set to be the starting quarterback this season at Auburn. However, Hugh Freeze isn’t going to shy away from, depending on the circumstances, playing either of the Tigers’ backups in QBs Ashton Daniels or Deuce Knight.

On Monday, Freeze was asked where the backup quarterback battle stands between Daniels and Knight. He said the offense likes where both are at, with mention that either one could come into the game in certain times if necessary for the Tigers, who “won’t be afraid to do that”.

“Pleased with both,” said Freeze. “Think that there’s a place for both depending on the scenario in the game. You know, without giving away too much, I think, you know, there’s a place for both of those guys that you can play to their strengths, and we won’t be afraid to do that.”

Again, Arnold is all but certain to open as the starter this fall for Auburn. That said, with questions about him still coming into this season after his first year as a starter elsewhere last season, the Tigers at least have two other, different options with the experienced transfer in Daniels or the five-star freshman in Knight.

Daniels just arrived on campus coming out of the summer and into the fall after transferring in last winter following three seasons at Stanford. He appeared in 23 games, 20 of those being starts, the past two years for the Cardinal and, in those seasons, posting 60.8 completion for 3,947 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions when passing while rushing for 961 yards and six more scores.

Knight is then a Top-25 overall recruit and the No. 5 QB in the 2025 recruiting cycle per Rivals’ Industry Ranking, being the top incoming freshman in the class for Auburn. He has since impressed at points over spring ball and fall camp, with plenty more development to learning there for the quarterback prospect to do.

“He’s getting better. You know, I think, I mean, as far as sitting in there and making the throw, he’s ready. He can do that. There’s still things – setting protections is new. That’s kind of an issue that he still has growth to do in it. Maybe recognizing little – our defense has done a really nice job of disguising things and all of them are missing some of that. It’s even hard for us as coaches when you’re watching film to see it. They’re doing a really nice job,” Freeze said separately of Knight. “So, I think he’s just got to improve in the mental side of it. Physically, he can make all the throws right now. So, I wouldn’t hesitate to throw him in a game.”

Even with Arnold expected as QB1, Auburn has several options at quarterback to consider, if need be. Freeze will consider it when those times come too with either Daniels or Knight.