Four Quarterbacks Auburn Should Pursue to Revitalize Their Offense

As Auburn’s football program continues to navigate the challenges of a disappointing 2024 season under head coach Hugh Freeze, the search for a competent starting quarterback has become paramount. With all eyes on the quarterback position, Freeze has faced scrutiny for his earlier decisions, having stuck with senior Payton Thorne despite early-season inconsistencies. Thorne found himself benched in favor of freshman Hank Brown for a stretch but eventually returned to the starting role, managing to throw 14 touchdowns against four interceptions by season’s end. However, these improvements were not enough to salvage the Tigers’ season, as they concluded with a disappointing 5-7 record—marking the fourth consecutive losing season for a once preeminent program.

With Thorne exhausted of his college eligibility and moving on, the Tigers find themselves in a precarious position heading into 2025. The departure of both sophomore Holden Geriner and freshman Hank Brown to the transfer portal has left Auburn with a quarterback room that is relatively untested. The roster currently includes redshirt freshman Walker White, who has seen limited playing time, along with Deuce Knight, a promising recruit who just signed his National Letter of Intent.

Auburn’s pursuit of a veteran quarterback to lead the team in the upcoming season is now an urgent priority. In this context, the transfer portal offers an array of potential candidates who could step in and help turn the tide for the Tigers. Here are four quarterbacks that Auburn should seriously consider as they seek to bolster their offensive capabilities for 2025:

1. Kaidon Salter

A logical choice for the Tigers is Kaidon Salter, who has a connection with Coach Freeze from their time together at Liberty. Salter brings dynamic dual-threat capabilities that could significantly enhance Auburn’s offensive play. In the 2023 season, he showcased his skills by throwing for 2,876 yards and racking up a remarkable 32 touchdown passes while also contributing 1,089 rushing yards and 12 additional touchdowns. Although 2024 saw a slight drop in his production, Salter’s upside remains evident. Pairing him with Freeze, who knows how to maximize his talents, could be a game-changer for Auburn.

2. Miller Moss

Another intriguing candidate is Miller Moss, whose first year as a starting quarterback at USC was a mixed bag of highs and lows. Moss exhibited flashes of brilliance, particularly in his opening game of the season against LSU, where he passed for an impressive 378 yards and a touchdown. However, he struggled in tighter games and ultimately lost the starting role. With playmakers like Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons available at Auburn, an environment tailored to Moss’s strengths could help him regain his confidence and thrive in the SEC.

3. John Mateer

While John Mateer has not officially entered the transfer portal, his explosive dual-threat potential cannot be overlooked. He passed for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns while also demonstrating his ability to run with 826 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. The recent departure of his offensive coordinator at Washington State could signal a shift, making him a possible candidate to consider. If Mateer chooses to transfer, his dynamic skill set would undoubtedly elevate Auburn’s offensive attack, potentially revitalizing the program’s performance.

4. Jackson Arnold

Lastly, Jackson Arnold is a highly talented former five-star recruit who faced a tumultuous 2024 season but showed glimpses of his capabilities, both as a runner and passer. He demonstrated resilience in crucial moments, particularly during his final two games against Alabama and LSU, where he amassed significant rushing yards. Throughout the season, Arnold exhibited good decision-making, throwing only three interceptions. A fresh start at a prominent SEC school like Auburn could help him unlock his full potential and rejuvenate his career.

As Auburn prepares for a critical offseason, the importance of securing a proven quarterback is clear. The transfer portal presents opportunities for the Tigers to acquire talent that can stabilize and enhance their offense. With Hugh Freeze at the helm, the responsibility lies in identifying a quarterback who can lead the team to greater success and break the cycle of losing seasons. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of Auburn football, and fans will be eagerly watching to see which signal-caller emerges as the next face of the Tigers’ offense.