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Auburn

Freeze: Knight will be next QB up behind Arnold against Ball State

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson09/04/25_JHokanson
Auburn QB Deuce Knight
Jake Crandall | Advertiser | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

AUBURN — Assuming Auburn has the game against Ball State under control on Saturday, head coach Hugh Freeze said freshman quarterback Deuce Knight will be first off the bench to replace Jackson Arnold.

“First, let’s win the game and whatever that takes. And should we need another quarterback to go in, Deuce will go in, and we’ll kind of go from there,” Freeze confirmed on Thursday.

There is nuance to the situation, as Freeze explained.

“I mean, Ashton (Daniels) is an incredible player and we need him. But at the same time, let’s just be honest, too. I’ve had this discussion with him. He has another year if he doesn’t use the year this year. So all of that’s in my mind of, you know. I’d love to have that guy for two years. So you’ve got to try to balance all of that, but at the same time, do what’s best for your football team to win the game,” Freeze said.

Daniels still has a redshirt year available. He could be called on later this season if Arnold goes down. Under NCAA rules, Daniels can appear in up to four games without losing that year of eligibility.

Freeze and his staff will face important quarterback decisions after this season. Arnold and has eligibility left, while freshman Knight still has his full college career ahead of him. And if Daniels uses his redshirt, his eligibility will be extended as well. Freeze has already admitted he’s thinking about how next year’s depth chart might take shape, making the position one to watch moving forward.

“That’s the juggling act you have with Ashton is because, man, I would absolutely love if I knew I had two years with him, but to do that with the rules as they currently are…he’d have to play in no more than four games in this season. All of that’s in my mind,” Freeze said.

“All the more reason that we should eliminate that craziness and go five for five with these kids. But that’s the whole thought process. And maybe I’m too out front with that, but I’ve had that conversation with him, and he’s so mature and understands it, and so you got to kind of juggle that.”

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