The annual Manning Passing Academy football camp wrapped up last week, hosting some of the top collegiate quarterbacks in the country.

One previous guest was missing.

After two previous trips to the camp, Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold elected to not attend this summer.

During Wednesday’s AMBUSH coaches caravan, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze confirmed that he got the call from Archie Manning asking about Arnold’s attendance.

The answer was something both the former quarterback and Auburn head coach completely understood.

“That was difficult for me because Archie is a good friend of mine,” Freeze said. “Obviously, I got the call, but when I talked to Jackson, he was adamant. ‘I don’t want to miss a day of throwing with my guys, and I have been to the Manning Camp twice.”

“The most important thing for me is to be with my teammates.’ I have to respect that, and Archie did also.”

Arnold transferred to Auburn after spending two seasons at Oklahoma. Serving as the starter for most of the 2024 season, Arnold threw for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games.

Since his arrival, Arnold got majority of the first team reps for the Tigers throughout the spring football period.

All offseason Freeze praised the work Arnold has displayed as the Tigers signal caller. Turning down the invite to a prestigious camp gave him the reassurance that he brought in the right guy.

“That’s what I have seen from him. I think his confidence has grown and grown and grown since he’s been here. Having those receivers to throw to is helpful. Excited about what Jackson brings to the table to lead us. I think he’s a confident, talented young man and someone I believe in.”

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].