Quarterback play has been a extremely scrutinized side of Hugh Freeze’s first two seasons as Auburn’s head coach. Freeze’s resolution to stay with senior Payton Thorne as a substitute of in search of solutions within the switch portal drew criticism following early season struggles by the signal-caller. Following a two-game stretch the place he was benched in favor of freshman Hank Brown, Thorne returned to the beginning lineup and confirmed enchancment, throwing 14 touchdowns and 4 interceptions to shut the yr. Regardless of this increase in Thorne’s play, the Tigers gained solely three of their ultimate eight video games. Auburn’s 5-7 report marks their fourth consecutive dropping season, this system’s longest since a five-year stretch from 1946 to 1950.
With Thorne out of school eligibility, Auburn will trot out a brand new beginning quarterback in 2025. This will likely be a tall job for the Tigers, who’ve already misplaced sophomore Holden Geriner and Brown to the switch portal. The comparatively inexperienced quarterback room consists of redshirt freshman Walker White, who has appeared in a single recreation in aid of Thorne in a lopsided win over UL Monroe, and Deuce Knight, a extremely touted recruit who signed his nationwide letter of intent final week.
The strain is on for Freeze to yield leads to the win column, and step one on this course of could be the acquisition of a veteran signal-caller to assist bolster the offense. Here’s a take a look at some portal quarterbacks who might step in and put the Tigers ready to win extra in 2025:
Kaidon Salter
Salter is a selection that may make sense for the Tigers. His familiarity with Freeze, his head coach for 2 seasons at Liberty, could be an enormous promoting level in bringing him to the Plains. Salter is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with massive play potential. In 2023, Salter had a monster season, throwing for 2,876 yards and 32 touchdowns, including 1,089 yards and 12 touchdowns on the bottom. Although he took a step again in 2024, he has proven a form of potential that might assist the Tigers instantly.
Miller Moss
Though his first yr as a starter was a blended bag, Moss stays an intriguing prospect. Moss impressed within the first recreation of the season, passing for 378 yards and a landing in USC’s victory over LSU. Although he has the expertise to distribute the ball down the sector, Moss struggled in nearer matchups and in the end misplaced his beginning function. With succesful playmakers like Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons, Freeze might assemble a system to alleviate some strain on Moss and rebuild his confidence.
John Mateer
Mateer is one other prospect who has showcased explosive dual-threat capacity, passing for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns to associate with 826 yards and 15 touchdowns on the bottom. Although he has not formally entered the portal, the departure of his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, might immediate a transfer. If he decides to depart Washington State, his talent set could be a big increase to the Auburn offense and elevate the Tigers right into a prolific assault.
Jackson Arnold
The previous five-star recruit had a tough 2024 season however confirmed flashes of potential as a passer and a runner. Within the ultimate two video games of the season, Arnold ran for 131 yards in an upset victory over Alabama and 75 yards towards LSU. Via the air, Arnold took care of the ball, throwing solely three interceptions all year long. The expertise is there and a bounce to a outstanding SEC college like Auburn might assist revive Arnold’s profession and attain his full potential.
