Deuce Knight sees Jackson Arnold as another coach for him

Evidently, Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold hasn’t hesitated to take freshman QB Deuce Knight under his wing. On Wednesday, Knight discussed his relationship with Arnold, who transferred into the program from Oklahoma this offseason.

“It’s been great,” Knight said. “Jackson, he’s super smart. I feel like he’s another coach on the field for me. I call Jackson late at night. If we just looking over a script or something, ask him a question, he’ll have an answer for me.

“It’s like another coach on the field. Then, he’s just a cool guy, you know? Jackson plays around a lot, something similar like me.”

Arnold doesn’t lack experience. He spent two seasons at Oklahoma, where he made 17 appearances and 10 starts. Arnold tallied 1,421 passing yards and 12 touchdowns last season while only throwing three interceptions.

Arnold also got it done in the ground game, recording 444 rushing yards and three scores. He is currently the projected starter for the Tigers in the upcoming season and is receiving first team reps at spring practice. However, Knight will give Arnold stiff competition for the QB1 title.

Knight was a five-star prospect and the No. 5 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Earlier this month, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze weighed in on his team’s internal quarterback competition.

“The competition is great,” Freeze said. “I don’t think there’s any replacement for that. Until you get that at every position, I think the natural instinct is for most people to remain status quo somewhat.

“You got someone breathing down your neck when they’re making plays when they get opportunities, it changes things. That’s what I think we’re seeing with Jackson and Deuce.”

Whoever ends up claiming Auburn’s starting spot behind center won’t lack receiving options. Auburn made waves in the transfer portal by reeling in former Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton. He was the No. 10 WR in the transfer portal this offseason.

Additionally, star receiver Cam Coleman is entering his second season with the Tigers and is poised to take another step forward. Coleman recorded 37 catches for 598 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Although Deuce Knight would love to lead Auburn’s offense this fall, the QB competition isn’t at the forefront of his mind.

“I’m just going out every day trying to get better. I’m not thinking about all that stuff. Just trying to get better each and every day,” Knight said. “Just trying to be the best teammate I can. And that’s about it.”