Hugh Freeze outlines plans for QB Deuce Knight in 2025

Jackson Arnold will be the starting quarterback this fall for Auburn. That said, the Tigers have other options to consider in the room if need be, including their five-star signee in Deuce Knight.

Hugh Freeze discussed the Tigers’ potential plans for Knight as a true freshman this season while at the desk on ‘SEC Now’ at SEC Media Days in Atlanta on Tuesday. He said they see a lot of options for him as of now, pending what their quarterback play is like this season, with the team having to consider him still with just how able he is.

“Yeah, it’s – you think about all of those things. They all are possibilities,” said Freeze. “You know, if Jackson is having the year that we all expect and hope he has, it’d sure be nice to convince Deuce, you should play a few games and get yourself ready because we think Jackson is going to be gone. But, at the same time, he is so talented.”

Knight, a native of Lucedale, Mississippi, ranked as the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting cycle as the top signee in their top-ten incoming class on The Plains. He also rated as the No. 5 QB and the No. 1 player out of Mississippi. That’s according to the Rivals’ Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

With the pedigree and experience of Arnold, not to mention Ashton Daniels, it was going to be difficult for Knight to play immediately. Still, there’s already so much there in their evaluation of him based on what they saw back in the spring into this summer.

“Deuce? His ceiling is high,” said Freeze. “He can make every throw. He’s got a high football IQ. And, is so coachable. I mean, not one excuse comes out of his mouth ever.”

If all goes well, Knight won’t see too much of the field as a backup on the depth chart this season at Auburn. That doesn’t diminish what he can be, though, as his career with the Tigers continue.

“He’ll be ready,” said Freeze.

“They’ll all be ready. But, it’s hard to say exactly what that plan for Deuce will be but, other than we think he has a really bright future.”