‘It’s going to be a tough call’: Freeze remains undecided on starting QB between Arnold and Daniels

It remains status quo with the Auburn quarterback situation following Wednesday’s practice, Hugh Freeze said on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference.

Freeze said on Monday that both Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels would split repetitions this week, citing competition as the greatest motivator. Nothing has changed in the last few days.

“Through two practices, they both are really great guys that prepare well. They are getting us in the right things, getting the protections the right way, making accurate throws for the most part, so it’s hard to decipher the difference in practice. That’s what been so difficult,” Freeze said.

Freeze again mentioned Auburn’s strong starts in the last three games with Arnold at quarterback but pointed to the team’s overall inability to finish.

“We’re looking for a spark. Ashton has the capacity to play really well. It’s going to be a tough call. I’m not quite ready to make it yet. I have confidence in both of them,” he said.

Freeze believes an “open competition” will create the best competition and prepare both quarterbacks for Saturday’s game against Kentucky. He talked about his decision process more on Monday.

“There are a lot of good things both did. Ashton showed incredible poise and only graded him on two minuses. He showed great poise and leadership in a difficult time to come into the game when momentum shifted the other way. I thought he gave us a spark,” Freeze said about the Arkansas game. “Until Jackson’s interception, I thought he played really, really well. It’ll be exciting to see how they both compete and respond this week as we head into this game.”

The decision comes after Auburn’s 33-24 win at Arkansas, when Daniels replaced Arnold in the second half and helped the Tigers close out their first SEC win of the season. Arnold, who had long delivered moments of rhythm but struggled to sustain drives, finished his outing at Arkansas 7-of-12 for 73 yards, with one TD and one costly interception. Daniels, meanwhile, entered and completed 6 of 8 passes for 77 yards and added seven rushes for 35 yards.

Freeze talked more about the decision between Arnold and Daniels, whether Daniels could still redshirt, and where freshman Deuce Knight stands in the current situation.