How Do Auburn’s Former 5-Star QBs Cam Newton and Bo Nix Stack Up?
Auburn University has a storied history of producing elite quarterbacks, but few have captured the imagination of college football fans like Cam Newton and Bo Nix. Both arrived on the Plains with 5-star pedigrees and sky-high expectations. Yet, their paths at Auburn—and beyond—took markedly different turns. This article compares their careers, legacies, and impacts on Auburn football.
Cam Newton’s 2010 season at Auburn is widely regarded as one of the most dominant in college football history. After transferring from Blinn College, Newton immediately took the reins of Gus Malzahn’s offense and delivered a campaign for the ages.
- Passing: Newton completed 185 of 280 passes (66.1%) for 2,854 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
- Rushing: He added 1,473 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, setting an SEC single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback.
- Total Offense: Newton’s 4,327 total yards in 2010 remain the highest single-season total in Auburn history.
Newton became the first player in SEC history to throw for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
Accolades and Achievements
- Heisman Trophy Winner (2010): Newton won the award in a landslide, becoming the third Auburn player to do so
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2010): Recognized for his outstanding performance in the conference.
- BCS National Champion: Newton led Auburn to a 14–0 record and a victory over Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game.
Despite playing only one season, Newton’s impact was monumental. His leadership and playmaking ability galvanized the team, culminating in Auburn’s first national championship since 1957. Many consider his 2010 season as the greatest individual performance in college football history.
Bo Nix arrived at Auburn in 2019 as a legacy recruit—his father, Patrick Nix, was a former Auburn quarterback. Expectations were immense, and Nix’s career was marked by moments of brilliance and inconsistency.
- Freshman Season (2019): Nix became the first true freshman to start a season opener for Auburn since 1946. He threw for 2,542 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, adding 313 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. His performance earned him the SEC Freshman of the Year award. (Auburn Tigers Athletics, Auburn Tigers Athletics)
- Overall at Auburn: Over three seasons, Nix amassed 7,251 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, along with 869 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns
After the 2021 season, Nix transferred to the University of Oregon, seeking a fresh start. At Oregon, he showcased significant improvement, throwing for 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in the 2022 season. His performance elevated his draft stock, leading to his selection by the Denver Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft.(people.com
Nix’s tenure at Auburn was a mix of high expectations and uneven results. While he displayed flashes of elite talent, inconsistency and offensive struggles limited his impact. His decision to transfer was met with understanding, as many felt a new environment could unlock his potential—a prediction that proved accurate at Oregon.
While Nix accumulated more career statistics due to his longer tenure, Newton’s single season stands out for its efficiency and impact. Newton’s 2010 campaign remains unparalleled in Auburn history.
Cam Newton and Bo Nix both arrived at Auburn with immense talent and expectations. Newton’s one-year stint resulted in a national championship and a Heisman Trophy, etching his name in college football lore. Nix’s journey was more tumultuous, marked by growth and eventual success after transferring to Oregon.
In comparing their Auburn careers, Newton’s impact was immediate and historic, while Nix’s legacy is one of perseverance and eventual fulfillment of potential. Both quarterbacks have left indelible marks on Auburn football, each in their unique way.
