As Auburn University gears up for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on the quarterback position. After a tumultuous season that saw Auburn struggle to find consistent play at the quarterback spot, a new face has emerged as one of the key figures during Auburn’s spring practice. That face belongs to Jackson Arnold, the highly touted freshman quarterback who is already making waves on the practice field.
Arnold, who arrived at Auburn with a wealth of potential and accolades, has garnered significant attention from fans, coaches, and analysts alike, as his performance during spring practice is seen as a potential turning point for the Auburn Tigers. Known for his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership, Jackson Arnold’s early days on the Plains are shaping up to be crucial in determining the quarterback situation for the upcoming season.
In this piece, we will take an in-depth look at who Jackson Arnold is, what he’s shown so far during spring practice, and how his development could reshape the Auburn football program moving forward. From his high school background to his early days at Auburn, we’ll explore why Arnold is the future of Auburn football and what he brings to the table for head coach Hugh Freeze and the Tigers.
Who is Jackson Arnold?
Before we dive into his performances during spring practice, it’s important to understand who Jackson Arnold is as a player. A five-star recruit out of Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, Arnold was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation. Throughout his high school career, Arnold was a proven winner, leading his team to the Texas state playoffs multiple times and earning numerous accolades, including district MVP and All-State honors.
Arnold’s strong arm and impressive mechanics caught the attention of college scouts early in his high school career, and by the time he was a senior, he was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the country. His ability to throw the ball with precision and power was matched by his athleticism. At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Arnold has the size of an NFL quarterback, but he also possesses the mobility and agility to make plays outside the pocket. His ability to make all the necessary throws, combined with his leadership skills, made him an ideal prospect for any program looking for a future star at the quarterback position.
After committing to Auburn in 2024, Arnold quickly became a focal point of the program’s future. Head coach Hugh Freeze, known for developing quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, welcomed Arnold with open arms, seeing him as the key piece to his offensive system. Freeze’s reputation for developing talent at quarterback made Arnold’s decision to play at Auburn an easy one, as the young signal-caller was eager to work with a coach who had successfully developed multiple quarterbacks at the collegiate and professional levels.
Jackson Arnold’s Spring Practice Performance
As Auburn enters its spring practice session, Jackson Arnold is getting an extended opportunity to show what he can do. While it’s still early in his college career and he has yet to see significant game action, Arnold has already showcased the skill set that made him a highly ranked prospect. Let’s break down his performances during spring practice, his strengths, and the areas where he’s looking to improve as the Tigers prepare for the fall.
Arm Strength and Accuracy
One of the first things that stand out about Arnold is his arm strength. From his very first practices, Arnold’s ability to throw the ball with velocity and accuracy has been evident. His deep ball is one of his most impressive assets, as he has shown the ability to launch the ball downfield with precision, hitting receivers in stride. His ability to throw the ball to all areas of the field—whether it’s the deep sideline routes, over-the-middle passes, or quick out routes—has made him a natural fit in Freeze’s offense, which places a premium on stretching the field vertically.
At the same time, Arnold has demonstrated impressive accuracy on intermediate and short throws. He’s been able to fit the ball into tight windows in the middle of the field, showing poise and precision under pressure. This balance between arm strength and accuracy will be crucial for Auburn’s offense, as the Tigers aim to become more explosive and dynamic in their passing attack.
Mobility and Escaping Pressure
A key part of Arnold’s game has been his mobility. Unlike many quarterbacks who rely solely on their arm to make plays, Arnold has demonstrated the ability to move in and out of the pocket with ease. Whether it’s evading a would-be sack or keeping his eyes downfield while scrambling, Arnold’s athleticism is a weapon that can help Auburn’s offense in key moments.
During spring practice, Arnold has been frequently praised for his ability to escape pressure and make throws on the run. While he’s shown he can beat defenders with his legs when necessary, Arnold has displayed great poise in keeping his focus on finding open receivers downfield rather than tucking and running immediately. This ability to extend plays and make throws while on the move will add another dimension to Auburn’s offensive attack, particularly when things break down in the pocket.
Leadership and Composure
Even though he is just a freshman, Arnold has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches through his leadership and composure. Despite being one of the youngest players on the field, Arnold has shown the maturity of a veteran quarterback. His ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations, even in practice, speaks to his mental fortitude and readiness for the next level.
His leadership skills have been evident in the way he’s interacted with his teammates. As the starting quarterback, Arnold is expected to command the offense, and so far, he’s done just that. He has a natural ability to communicate with his receivers, running backs, and offensive line, ensuring that everyone is on the same page before the snap. His teammates have rallied behind him, and there’s a growing sense of confidence that Arnold will be able to lead the team through tough games when the season begins.
In addition, Arnold’s ability to take constructive criticism and make adjustments during practices shows a maturity that bodes well for his future development. He’s receptive to feedback from coaches, and his work ethic has been praised as one of his standout qualities. The mental side of the game is just as important as the physical, and Arnold’s ability to handle both has put him on track to be the leader Auburn needs at quarterback.
Areas for Improvement
As impressive as Arnold has been, there are areas of his game that still need refinement. One of the primary areas for growth is his decision-making in certain situations. While Arnold’s arm strength allows him to make bold throws, he will need to improve his ability to make quick reads and avoid forcing passes into tight coverage. College football defenses are faster and more complex than what he faced in high school, so Arnold will need to continue adjusting to the speed of the game.
Additionally, Arnold will need to continue working on his timing with his receivers. Although he’s shown the ability to connect with his targets downfield, building chemistry with his wideouts and tight ends will be crucial for Auburn’s success. The timing of his throws and the ability to anticipate where his receivers will be will be a major factor in his development as a quarterback.
Finally, Arnold must also refine his footwork in the pocket. While he has the mobility to escape pressure, improving his mechanics while under duress will make him even more dangerous. His ability to reset his feet, keep his balance, and make accurate throws on the move will be key to unlocking his full potential.
The Quarterback Battle: Arnold’s Role Moving Forward
Jackson Arnold’s impressive play during spring practice has raised many questions about Auburn’s quarterback competition. While he is a freshman, and the team still has other quarterbacks on the roster, his early performances have made it clear that he will be a serious contender for the starting role.
Auburn’s coaching staff, led by Hugh Freeze, has been careful to maintain an open competition at quarterback. While other quarterbacks on the roster, such as Robbie Ashford and T.J. Finley, bring experience and different skill sets to the table, Arnold’s development during spring practice could give him the edge when it comes to securing the starting spot. Freeze’s offense thrives on a mobile, dual-threat quarterback who can make plays both with his arm and legs—qualities that Arnold certainly possesses.
The coaching staff will continue to evaluate Arnold’s progress throughout the summer and into fall camp. If he continues to grow and make strides in his decision-making and consistency, there is a strong possibility that he will be under center when Auburn takes the field for its season opener. However, the competition is far from over, and Arnold will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of being a starting quarterback at the SEC level.
The Future of Auburn Football
Regardless of whether Jackson Arnold starts this season or not, his presence on the roster signals a bright future for Auburn football. His combination of physical tools, mental toughness, and leadership qualities make him a potential cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense for the next several years. With a coach like Hugh Freeze who has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, Arnold has the perfect environment to continue growing and improving.
Auburn fans are understandably excited about the prospect of having a quarterback like Arnold lead their team. His arrival represents a new era for Auburn football, one where the quarterback position is no longer a question mark but a potential strength. Whether he’s leading the Tigers this season or waiting his turn, Jackson Arnold is a player to watch as he looks to leave his mark on Auburn football and college football at large.