At the 2025 SEC Media Days, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze didn’t hold back his enthusiasm when discussing quarterback Jackson Arnold, signaling a bright future for the Tigers’ offense. Freeze’s comments about Arnold, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Oklahoma, highlighted the young quarterback’s transformation and readiness to lead Auburn in the upcoming season.“
I think he has regained confidence,” Freeze said. “He’s got the swagger right now and respect of this football team, and a great understanding of our offense.”Arnold’s journey to this point has been one of resilience. After a challenging stint at Oklahoma, where he faced intense competition and scrutiny, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound quarterback arrived at Auburn looking for a fresh start. Freeze’s remarks suggest that Arnold has not only adapted to his new environment but is thriving in it. The “swagger” Freeze referenced points to a newfound self-assurance, a critical trait for a quarterback tasked with leading a team in the ultra-competitive SEC.
Freeze’s confidence in Arnold stems from the quarterback’s mastery of Auburn’s offensive scheme. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Arnold brings a dynamic skill set that aligns well with Freeze’s up-tempo, spread-offense philosophy. During his time at Oklahoma, Arnold showcased flashes of brilliance, completing 62.3% of his passes for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 357 rushing yards and three scores in limited action. Now, with a full offseason to immerse himself in Auburn’s system, Freeze believes Arnold is poised for a breakout season.
The respect Arnold has earned from his teammates is equally significant. Leadership at the quarterback position goes beyond physical talent, and Freeze’s comments indicate that Arnold has quickly won over the Auburn locker room. Building that trust is no small feat for a newcomer, especially in a program looking to rebound from a 5-7 season in 2024.
Auburn fans have reason to be optimistic. Freeze’s track record of developing quarterbacks, combined with Arnold’s raw talent and apparent growth, could spell a potent offensive resurgence for the Tigers. As Auburn prepares to face a grueling SEC schedule, all eyes will be on Arnold to see if he can translate his coach’s praise into on-field success.
With SEC Media Days setting the stage, Freeze’s glowing endorsement of Jackson Arnold has ignited excitement on The Plains. If Arnold’s newfound confidence and “swagger” carry over into the fall, Auburn may have found the quarterback to lead them back to prominence in the SEC.
