So the big buzz out of Auburn’s spring scrimmage? Quarterback chaos, plain and simple. And it’s not just the Tigers; you’re seeing this QB1 face-off in Athens, Tuscaloosa, Columbus—practically everywhere. But down on the Plains, with just two scholarship slingers in the mix—Jackson Arnold and a shiny $950K transfer—that QB spotlight is scorching hot. Right now, all eyes are glued to Arnold. How is he vibing in Hugh Freeze’s system? Last year, Auburn could move the chains, no doubt, but they just couldn’t punch it in. Turnovers? Plenty. The offense felt kind of stuck in the mud. But this year feels different with Arnold under center.
Arnold is a natural playmaker, a bit of a gunslinger, and totally cool when things get wild. Plus, word out of spring practice is he’s looking calm, cool, and collected. For now, the game plan’s straightforward: nail the fundamentals, find a rhythm, and get that offense clicking smoothly. The fancy stuff? That can wait for the fall. But hold up—there’s a real tension brewing. That hefty $950K talent isn’t just hanging back quietly. Nope, he’s right there, ready to go. So yeah, the quarterback battle in Auburn is officially on…..
On the April 11th episode of On3, J.D. PicKell brought the heat with his Auburn spring game predictions. As Jackson Arnold begins his chapter on the Plains, PicKell has one clear message: “Now I want to see Deuce Knight open it up, bro.” However, he didn’t stop there. In fact, he doubled down. PicKell made it clear—this is Knight’s moment. “If you’re Duce Knight, man, this is your chance to make a statement to the staff.” Look, there is no bench-warming energy, no waiting around because you have to understand, he’s a five-star for a reason. And PicKell put it plain and simple. “I’m not staying here for four years, brother. I got three years for you. Might as well use ’em. Red shirt? Go ahead and keep it. Let me ball.” So, the message—Deuce Knight came to play, and he’ll need the keys now.
J.D. PicKell wasn’t hiding his excitement about Deuce Knight. “I’d love to see him just cut it loose,” said the national analyst. And why not? Knight’s got the tools—the frame, the legs, and that electric left arm. “I think he flashes in this [spring practice] game. I really do,” PicKell said. Not only this, Auburn’s social media team has already teased the hype. And you know, the tape doesn’t lie. Honestly, Knight has got something different to him—real different. Although he’s another true freshman, this one’s got serious juice. That’s why J.D. PicKell hopes Hugh Freeze’s Auburn lets the whistle hang a little late. Because he wants to see the full show—a scramble, a QB keeper, maybe even a 20-yard sprint out the back door. As of now, just let Knight run and let him shine.
But while PicKell wants Knight to shine, the freshman QB’s words about Jackson Arnold tell a different story. There’s no drama—just respect. And we all know Arnold has taken Knight under his wing. There is no ego, no tension, just teamwork. Following that, Knight said, “It’s been great.” Adding, “Jackson, he’s super smart. I feel like he’s another coach on the field for me.” So, their bond runs deep. And Knight even said he calls Arnold late at night with questions. And every time? “He’ll have an answer for me.” You can say it’s not just a QB room—it’s a brotherhood.
“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,” said Knight. Although the respect is real, don’t get it twisted—so is the competition. Arnold brings experience; he’s no rookie. With 17 appearances and 10 starts at Oklahoma, he’s battle-tested. And last season alone, he tossed for 1,421 yards and 12 TDs. That’s clean. Still, Knight isn’t backing down; he’s chasing that QB1 crown—and he’s not moving quiet. Now the QB battle is one thing, but who are they counting on as that reliable go-to guy to catch those passes?
1468 yards WR: Auburn’s offensive butter
To crank up the offense in Year 3 under Hugh Freeze, Auburn went shopping in the portal—and struck gold. Enter Eric Singleton Jr., the Georgia Tech speedster who torched the ACC with 1,468 yards and 9 TDs. As of now, he’s rocking orange and blue, eyeing a deep postseason run. But he’s not alone. Auburn also landed Sooners QB Jackson Arnold this year. Together with true freshman Deuce Knight, the trio has been slinging it all spring. And guess who’s been catching those darts? Singleton. To be honest, the connection’s already real—and it’s just getting started.
J.D. PicKell is fired up about Eric Singleton Jr.—and for good reason. “They’re using him like Where’s Waldo, bro,” said the national analyst. Look, slot, outside, motion—you name it, Singleton’s popping up everywhere. And he’s not just a gadget guy. He is a problem for defenses. But PicKell isn’t just hyped about how Auburn gets him the ball. He’s excited about the ripple effect. “When you’ve got to worry about Singleton in the slot and Cam Coleman on the outside, it’s like the secret sauce,“ stated Pickell. So, that’s the extra ingredient and the one that makes the whole offense click.
However, J.D. PicKell brought the heat—and a little humor—when talking about Eric Singleton Jr. “I’ve told this story before, but it fits,” said PicKell. Back when he was dating his wife, he tried to cook shrimp scampi for Valentine’s Day. Pasta, shrimp, the whole vibe. But he forgot one thing—butter. “If you don’t have butter, it doesn’t work,” mentioned PicKell. So, he rushed to the store, grabbed the missing piece, and saved the meal. And that’s what Singleton could be for Auburn: the butter, per Pickell.
So, he’s the secret ingredient that pulls it all together. Sure, the quarterback still has to cook—but Singleton? He’s that extra flavor that makes defensive coordinators say, “Oh shoot, we’ve got to plan for this dude too.” As of now, with him in the mix, Auburn’s 2025 offense just got real spicy.
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