National Analyst Sets Jackson Arnold Expectations Straight as Concerning Verdict on Auburn QB Dropped
The native from Texas with Gatorade National Player of the Year honors—maybe that was enough to catch the eye of Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze. Former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold is now Freeze’s new hope, but let’s be real: the QB situation at Auburn hasn’t exactly been sunshine and roses lately. Freeze has had some tough luck with quarterbacks, and stepping into Peyton Thorne’s shoes won’t be easy for Arnold. Truth be told, Arnold’s time under Brent Venables at Oklahoma was a bit… underwhelming. Now, Freeze is walking a tightrope, trying to convince a restless Auburn fanbase—fresh off a 5-7 season—that Arnold is the guy to lead the turnaround. Expectations are sky-high, and Freeze is betting on Arnold to be the answer
He believes that Arnold, a former 5-star recruit, can return to form and light up Pat Dye Field—even after a couple of “meh” seasons with the Sooners. Their time together starts fresh, with Arnold looking for a second chance and Freeze needing one just as badly. Enter college football analyst Josh Pate, who’s setting the bar in a more grounded way. He’s not buying into the hype machine. Actually, he’s got just one concern for Arnold. Okay, maybe two.
Arnold comes with an impressive high school résumé. He played at John H. Guyer High School in Denton, Texas—prime football territory. In his senior year in 2022, he balled out: 3,476 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, only two interceptions, plus 921 rushing yards and 24 more scores. No wonder he was named MaxPreps Texas Player of the Year. The kid was elite. But Pate isn’t here to pile on the pressure.
