Tank Bigsby weighs in on Auburn's QB competition, Zach Calzada vs. TJ Finley

One important question mark for Bryan Harsin and Auburn in 2022 is who will replace Bo Nix at quarterback. The competition between TJ Finley and Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada was a hot topic at SEC Media Days, and Tigers star Tank Bigsby shared his thoughts with reporters.

Nix entered the transfer portal and committed to Oregon, so Auburn dove into the portal to bring in Calzada. However, it’s not a sure thing that he’ll start after Finley started for the Tigers after Nix’s injury last year. But Bigsby, one of the focal points of the offense, said the competition will be decided by one important factor.

“It’s going to come down to whoever wants it the most,” Bigsby said. “Just as it’s going to be like on the weekends, Saturdays, it’s going to come down to what team wants it the most and that’s who’s going to win.”

Bigsby is familiar with Finley’s game from their time together last season — Finley’s first after transferring from LSU. He completed 54.7% of his passes for 827 yards and six touchdowns in nine appearances, and Bigsby said the junior quarterback has the mentality to make a run at the starting job.

“TJ, he’s a competitor,” Bigsby said. “Smart, intelligent guy. He has what it takes to [win the job.]”

Calzada is one of the newest faces on the roster after spending the last three seasons at Texas A&M. he missed the 2020 season, but bounced back to throw for 2,185 yards and 17 touchdowns and led the Aggies to an upset of Alabama. Bigsby said he likes what he’s seen so far from Calzada, and he could handle being Auburn’s QB1.

“Zach, he brings leadership,” Bigsby said. “He speaks up, he brings a lot of things. He’s a talented guy. Smart. He has what it takes to be a great quarterback.

“We’ll just see how that goes. Hopefully, it goes good.”