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Durkin: Ashton Daniels will start at QB against No. 15 Vanderbilt

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson7 hours ago_JHokanson
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Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels (12) passes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Auburn will turn to Ashton Daniels as its starting quarterback this weekend when the Tigers travel to face No. 15 Vanderbilt, interim head coach DJ Durkin confirmed Wednesday.

“This week, I’ve been spending time with those guys on that side of the ball, just hear form them both players and coaches, get their viewpoint of things,” Durkin said.

“We’ve made the decision that Ashton Daniels will be our starting quarterback. I think he gives us the best opportunity to win the game. Our coaches, our team is 100 percent behind him. He’s done a good job preparing this week, so he’ll be the guy we go with and we have a good plan for him.”

Daniels, a transfer from Stanford, will make his second start of the season. He played the second half against Arkansas and started the Kentucky game. Daniels was pulled for Jackson Arnold in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s loss, but reinserted into the game with two minutes left.

Daniels is 19-of-36 for 185 yards and one interception this season. The Auburn offense has not scored a touchdown yet with Daniels taking snaps at quarterback, a timeframe that spans nearly six quarters.

With Vanderbilt’s defense ranking among the SEC’s best, Auburn’s offensive balance will be critical. Daniels’ ability run and throw deep could keep defenders honest and prove pivotal as the Tigers look to secure their first conference road win of the season, and possibly build momentum under Durkin’s interim leadership.