Auburn is not revealing who will start at quarterback against Kentucky

by: Adam Luckett5 hours agoadamluckettksr

Auburn QBs Jackson Arnold, Ashton Daniels — Jake Crandall | Advertiser | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images - Austin Perryman | Auburn Athletics

In Saturday’s 33-24 road win over Arkansas, Auburn’s starting quarterback Jackson Arnold threw a pick-six in the first half that allowed the Hogs to take a 21-10 lead. Head coach Hugh Freeze then decided to make a quarterback change. Stanford transfer Ashton Daniels made his first appearance of the season and led the Tigers on a 23-3 scoring sprint in the second half. The backup finished the game with 77 passing yards on eight attempts plus 39 rushing yards on five non-sack carries.

The thought was that a permanent quarterback change could occur for Auburn in Week 10. Not so fast. Freeze has a plan for this week. It will include both quarterbacks.

Hugh Freeze says "it's an open competition" at QB this week. Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels will split reps as Auburn prepares for Kentucky.
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) October 27, 2025

Arnold is in his first season at Auburn after spending his first two seasons at Oklahoma. In eight starts, the former blue-chip recruit is completing 63.3 percent of his passes on just 6.1 yards per attempt with 13 total touchdowns, two interceptions, and three fumbles. The high-profile transfer has more rushing touchdowns (seven) than passing touchdowns (six). However, Arnold has played a massive role in the run game as he’s rushed for 429 non-sack yards on five yards per rush.

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Auburn brought in Daniels to provide depth and compete with Arnold. The Peach State native was a former wildcat quarterback who started for two years at Stanford. The dual-threat has over 4,000 career passing yards with a 61 percent completion rate on 6.7 yards per attempt. Daniels, however, does have 20 interceptions and 15 fumbles. Ball security has been an issue. The run game value would be a plus if Auburn makes a permanent move to the backup. Daniels has over 1,400 career non-sack rushing yards with 29 total touchdowns (20 passing, 9 rushing).

Auburn has made a change and is holding a competition heading into Week 10. Kentucky will have to prepare for two quarterbacks but each brings a similar play style to the table.