Jackson Arnold may be Auburn’s starting quarterback in 2025, but that hasn’t changed the optimism for five-star freshman signal caller Deuce Knight.

He was a highlight of Auburn’s top 10-ranked 2025 signing class and already made a strong impression during spring practice.

In an appearance on SEC Now during SEC Media Days, head coach Hugh Freeze was asked what the plan is for Knight in 2025, even if he’s behind Arnold on the depth chart.

“If Jackson is having the year that we all expect and hope he has, it’d sure be nice to convince Deuce to play in a few games and get yourself ready, because we think Jackson’s gonna be gone,” Freeze said. “At the same time, Deuce is so talented, and his ceiling is high.”

This isn’t the first time Freeze has been complimentary of Knight since he arrived on campus in January. The early enrollee freshman impressed the staff throughout spring practice, and Freeze sang his praises again on Tuesday.

“He can make every throw. He’s got a high football IQ and is coachable,” Freeze said. “Not one excuse comes out of his mouth ever. So, he’ll be ready.”

He added that it’s hard to say specifically what the plan will be for Knight, but said he thinks the freshman “has a really bright future.”

Freeze also made sure to mentioned Ashton Daniels, a transfer from Stanford who is another new addition to the quarterback room in 2025. He started in each of the last two seasons at Stanford, throwing for 1,700 yards in 2024 while adding 669 yards on the ground.

“On some quarterback runs [he] ran away from good football teams and so they’ll all be ready,” Freeze said.

Auburn will officially begin fall camp on July 29, exactly one month before the Tigers are set to kick off the 2025 season on Aug. 29 against Baylor.

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