Auburn football found itself in a critical need for a reliable QB1 this offseason. Hugh Freeze and his staff have truly made a significant mark in this regard. Jackson Arnold, a former highly regarded five-star prospect and Oklahoma quarterback, recently committed to the Tigers. This move has sent ripples through the Auburn football community.

Why Auburn? The Perfect Fit

When it comes to Arnold's decision to choose Auburn football, fit was of utmost importance. He expressed his passion for the coaching staff led by Hugh Freeze. Arnold mentioned that upon the opening of the transfer portal, he received a text from every Auburn offensive coach, making him feel wanted. He was particularly impressed by the presence of former quarterbacks on the coaching staff, such as Freeze, quarterbacks coach Kent Austin, and offensive analyst Jesse Stone. Arnold believes that having QBs coach the position is essential and that the wealth of knowledge and experience in that room can help him unlock his full potential.In his two seasons with the Sooners, Arnold demonstrated his skills. He completed 62.9% of his passes for 1,984 yards, threw 16 touchdowns to six interceptions, and added 560 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He also caught two passes for 16 yards and a touchdown. Despite facing some challenges during his time at Oklahoma, Arnold is confident in his ability to adapt to Auburn's RPO offense. He emphasized that he has been running the RPO game since high school and believes he will transition smoothly to this system.

Who is Jackson Arnold?

Once a consensus five-star high school prospect, Arnold's transfer status is equally impressive. He is listed as a consensus top-50 portal prospect and a top-10 quarterback. Arnold's recruitment out of Guyer High School was well-deserved. He was a consensus five-star recruit and consensus top-five quarterback, with ESPN ranking him as the third-best player in the class and top-ranked passer. He also received the 2022 National Gatorade Player of the Year and Elite 11 MVP titles. Oklahoma managed to secure his commitment over Notre Dame and Ole Miss. In total, he had 19 Power Five offers, with LSU, Ohio State, Penn State, and Tennessee among them.

What His Addition Means for Auburn

From a pure talent perspective, it would have been difficult for Freeze to land a more ideal quarterback from the early transfer entrants. While Oklahoma's season may not have lived up to expectations, Arnold himself was not lacking. This presents a bit of a double-edged sword in transfer recruiting. There is a chance that Arnold could underperform, but the disappointments of last season could serve as motivation. Protecting Arnold will be crucial as he comes to Auburn from a team that gave up 46 sacks in 2024, the third-worst mark in the FBS. Auburn has struggled in this area in the past two seasons, but if they can bring in some solid pass protectors, it could set the stage for Arnold's best season yet.Arnold's addition brings a new dimension to Auburn's offense. His experience and skill set can complement the existing players and help the team reach new heights. His ability to run the RPO game and make quick decisions on the field will be a valuable asset. As he settles into his new role at Auburn, fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see how he performs and how he contributes to the team's success.Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at cole@gannett.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter.