In a recent column by 247 Sports’ Jason Caldwell, Auburn football fans are getting a glimpse of the potential Jackson Arnold brings to the table. The incoming quarterback transfer from Oklahoma has comparisons being drawn to two prominent figures in college football: former Heisman hopefuls Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels. These names, associated with successful transfers, set the bar high, signaling that Arnold might be more than just a backup plan for Auburn’s quarterback future.
Caldwell, in his analysis, points out that the right system is crucial for a player’s success, much like Nix and Daniels found in their respective systems. While those comparisons are optimistic, the inclusion of Alabama QB Jalen Milroe in the conversation is a reminder of the volatility and potential pitfalls that come with transferring. Milroe, despite his athleticism, struggled at times in his 2023 season—highlighted by mistakes in a crushing loss to Michigan and a forgettable performance against Arnold’s Oklahoma squad earlier in the year. However, Milroe’s ups and downs are still seen as a solid benchmark for Arnold’s expectations. If Arnold can approach Milroe’s level of performance, Auburn fans could be in for a much-needed boost at the quarterback position.
The pressure is mounting for Hugh Freeze, who’s already had a few misfires with his quarterback choices. After the struggles with Payton Thorne in 2023 and missing out on key portal targets, Freeze’s future with Arnold will be under the microscope. There’s no doubt that Arnold doesn’t need to be the next Heisman winner, but rather a consistent winner for the Tigers. With Auburn’s offense needing a spark, Arnold’s success in the right system could determine how quickly the Tigers return to SEC relevance.
With a lot riding on Arnold’s shoulders, fans are left wondering if Freeze and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix’s system is the right fit to harness Arnold’s talent and lead Auburn back to contention. Only time will tell if Arnold’s arm can carry Auburn to the next level or if he’ll just add to the growing list of quarterbacks who didn’t quite meet the hype.
