Auburn football faces an uphill battle in its pursuit of Oklahoma transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, with Mississippi State emerging as the frontrunner. According to Brian Smith of On SI, the Tigers are trailing in the race to secure the talented QB, largely due to Arnold’s strong relationship with Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby, who previously coached him at Oklahoma.
“Because of the prior relationship, and now former Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren being in the Transfer Portal, Mississippi State is heavily involved with Arnold and could be the frontrunner. That’s another reason Arnold’s visit to the Plains is vital if the Tigers are to sign him,” Smith noted.
Arnold, a former five-star prospect, has generated significant attention in the transfer portal. Known for his strong arm and impressive playmaking abilities, he has the potential to be a game-changer for any program he joins. For Auburn, landing Arnold would be a major boost to their quarterback room, which has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
Despite Mississippi State’s lead, Auburn isn’t out of the race just yet. The Tigers are hosting Arnold on a visit, which could be crucial in turning the tide. A successful pitch from Hugh Freeze and his coaching staff could help Auburn close the gap and make a strong impression.
Auburn’s history of developing quarterbacks and Freeze’s offensive system could appeal to Arnold, but the Tigers will need to overcome the familiarity and trust Arnold already shares with Lebby. As the transfer portal heats up, Auburn’s ability to salvage the situation and secure Arnold could have a significant impact on their 2025 season.
