It’s not uncommon for teams to bring their starting quarterback with them for SEC Media Days.

Each team typically brings three players to accompany the head coach, and the group usually consists of veterans and names that the general public knows.

A team’s starting quarterback often fits both of those categories. Of the 16 teams at media days this week, 11 brought a quarterback with them. Auburn was part of that group, despite not returning its starter from last year.

Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold is set to take the reins in 2025, and his appearance at media days was a way for head coach Hugh Freeze to send the message that Arnold is the man for the job.

“If I really want him to be my guy, then he’s gotta be my guy. He’s gotta do it here,” Freeze said.

Arnold joined Connor Lew and Keldric Faulk as Auburn’s media representatives, two players going into their third season as starters with the program.

Freeze said Arnold’s leadership stood out to him shortly after he arrived in Auburn, quickly making an impression on the team. Arnold was ineligible for the leadership council in January, but was one of the leading vote getters during re-elections in June, according to Freeze.

Given Arnold’s strong reputation within the team and the opportunity to showcase him to the public, bringing Arnold to Atlanta for media days became an easy decision for Freeze.

“I love Deuce Knight and Ashton [Daniels] also. I think we got an incredible quarterback room,” Freeze said. “But I think making sure he is confident that we believe in Him is one of the other reasons. That and the combination of what he’s done in a short time to become a leader.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m