AUBURN, Ala. – Jackson Arnold, the highest-rated quarterback ever at Auburn based on high school recruiting ranking, has transferred from Oklahoma to Auburn, bringing with him impressive credentials and great expectations. Arnold announced his commitment to the Tigers on Saturday after two seasons with the Sooners, where he left his mark as 247Sports’ No. 8 overall player nationally in the Class of 2023.
Auburn, known for nurturing quarterback talent like Cam Newton and Jason Campbell, is excited about Arnold's addition. Based on 247Sports’ composite rankings, Arnold is positioned as the third-highest rated high school prospect ever signed by Auburn, trailing only Byron Cowart and current Auburn freshman Cam Coleman. Recognized as the 2022 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year at Guyer High School, Arnold's skills included passing for over 7,000 yards and achieving 67 touchdowns during his high school career.
“Any time you have those accolades you have great skillsets,” said Auburn coach Hugh Freeze. He praised Arnold not just for his athletic capabilities but also for his fit within the team’s offensive scheme. “He’s a dual-threat guy who understands the RPO system extremely well and throws the deep ball extremely well.” Freeze notes Arnold's passing mechanics and ability to execute plays, which closely align with Freeze's plans for the offense.
During the 2024 season, Arnold started as Oklahoma’s quarterback, throwing for 1,421 yards along with 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Despite facing significant challenges, including injuries within his receiving corps, Arnold showcased resilience. “His deep ball has been very accurate,” Freeze remarked, reflecting on Arnold’s abilities during games when the team struggled with injuries. Arnold's best performance came against Alabama, where he rushed for 131 yards on 25 carries, leading the Sooners to victory.
The move to Auburn is seen as both strategic and timely. After Auburn's season ended with numerous offensive struggles and disappointing quarterback play, Arnold's commitment provides hope for rejuvenation. “The expectation for the ‘25 season is for us to compete for a playoff spot,” Freeze said, highlighting Arnold’s role as the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offensive future.
Arnold, who will have two remaining seasons of eligibility at Auburn, expressed enthusiasm about joining the team. “It’s a great opportunity for somebody to come in and lead this program,” Arnold noted after his visit to Auburn, emphasizing the supportive environment he found within the coaching staff. Following challenging performance metrics at Oklahoma, Arnold's decision to transfer aligns with his desire to participate actively and emerge as the leader the Tigers have been searching for.
Historically, Arnold joins the ranks of elite quarterbacks at Auburn, aiming not only to build on his own success but also to uplift the team culture. “I think of his most recent game against Alabama where he put the team on his shoulders,” Freeze remarked, emphasizing Arnold’s toughness and leadership qualities.
The competition level within Auburn’s quarterback room will escalate significantly with Arnold’s entry. He joins another five-star recruit, Deuce Knight, marking the first time Auburn boasts two five-star quarterbacks within the same squad. “This is the type of toughness the Auburn people will rally behind,” Freeze added, anticipating the dynamic duo sharing the field.
Not only is Arnold expected to reignite the offense, but he also brings experience and depth to the Tigers’ roster. The hiring of prominent coaching figures, including Freeze, who has successfully developed quarterbacks previously, adds confidence to healthily transition Arnold to his new environment.
While Arnold’s on-field performance will be pivotal, the team’s offensive line will play equally important roles. His move follows the departure of several primary offensive units due to graduation and transfers, signifying the immense pressure on both the coaching staff and incoming players to solidify the line of defense.
Fans eagerly anticipate Arnold’s first game against his former team, Oklahoma, on September 20, 2025. It will be the first opportunity for Arnold to showcase his new skills within the Auburn system after moving from struggling Oklahoma to one of the SEC's storied programs.
With expectations running high, all eyes are on Jackson Arnold as he prepares to don the Auburn colors and take his place as potential quarterback for the Tigers and usher them back to contention.
