Jackson Arnold Transfers to Auburn: A Fresh Start for the Former Oklahoma QB
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Jackson Arnold, the former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback, has officially signed with the Auburn Tigers. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Max Olson, marks a significant shift for both Arnold and Auburn as they look to make waves in the SEC.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound sophomore, who still has two years of eligibility remaining, is making the leap to Auburn in hopes of revitalizing a program that struggled to a 5-7 record in head coach Hugh Freeze’s second season. Arnold’s decision comes just days after entering the NCAA transfer portal, and it’s clear that Freeze wasted no time in securing his top target. Arnold’s official visit to Auburn began Thursday, and by the end of the weekend, the deal was done.
A Star in the Making
Arnold’s pedigree is undeniable. Hailing from Denton, Texas, he was the No. 3 overall recruit in the ESPN 300 for the class of 2023 and earned the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award as a senior. In ESPN’s transfer rankings, Arnold is listed as the No. 4 quarterback, making him one of the most sought-after players in the portal this offseason.
After spending his freshman year backing up Dillon Gabriel, Arnold took over as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback in 2024. He stepped into the spotlight ahead of the Sooners’ Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona last December, following Gabriel’s transfer to Oregon. Arnold went on to start 10 games for Oklahoma, finishing the season with 1,421 passing yards, 444 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, it was a challenging year for both Arnold and the Sooners, who finished 6-6 overall and 2-6 in SEC play during their first season in the conference.
Ups and Downs in Norman
Arnold’s time at Oklahoma was anything but smooth. The Sooners’ offense struggled with injuries and inconsistency, and Arnold himself faced significant adversity. During Oklahoma’s first SEC home game against Tennessee, Arnold was benched before halftime after committing three first-half turnovers. Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. replaced him in the 25-15 loss, and head coach Brent Venables named Hawkins the starter moving forward.
Arnold didn’t see the field in Oklahoma’s next two games—a 27-21 road win at Auburn and a 34-3 loss to then-No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry. However, when Hawkins struggled with three turnovers in the first quarter against South Carolina, Venables turned back to Arnold. Unfortunately, the Sooners’ struggles continued, culminating in a 35-9 blowout loss to the Gamecocks that dropped their record to 4-1 overall and 1-3 in SEC play.
In response to the team’s offensive woes, Venables fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell midseason, promoting co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley to play-calling duties. Despite the turmoil, Arnold remained the starter for the rest of the season, showing flashes of brilliance in an otherwise difficult year.
Bright Spots Amid the Struggles
One of the highlights of Arnold’s season came in Oklahoma’s home finale against then-No. 7 Alabama. In a stunning 24-3 upset, Arnold rushed for a career-high 131 yards on 25 carries and completed 9-of-11 passes for 68 yards. The victory not only knocked Alabama out of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff but also secured bowl eligibility for the Sooners, who will face Navy in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 27.
Despite the challenges, Arnold’s talent and potential remain undeniable. Oklahoma’s offense was plagued by injuries, with eight different starting lineup combinations along the offensive line and significant absences among their top wide receivers. The Sooners averaged just 21.2 points per game against FBS opponents, ranking second-to-last in the SEC, and finished among the bottom 10 in FBS in several key offensive categories, including yards per play (4.8) and sacks allowed (46).
A New Chapter at Auburn
Now, Arnold has the chance to start fresh at Auburn, a program hungry for success in Freeze’s third season. The Tigers are coming off a 5-7 campaign that included a 2-5 start and four consecutive SEC losses. However, they showed resilience down the stretch, winning three of their final five games, including a thrilling 43-41 victory over then-No. 15 Texas A&M in four overtimes.
With the departure of All-SEC running back Jarquez Hunter and leading receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith to the NFL, Auburn will rely on a talented group of incoming freshmen wide receivers, including Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. Arnold’s arrival fills a critical need at quarterback, especially with the departure of 22-game starter Payton Thorne and backups Hank Brown and Holden Geriner.
- Arnold’s first SEC game with Auburn will be a return trip to Norman to face Oklahoma on Sept. 20, 2025.
- Freeze and the Tigers are expected to aggressively pursue additional transfer portal talent this offseason.
For Arnold, this move represents a chance to prove himself on one of college football’s biggest stages. For Auburn, it’s an opportunity to take the next step in their quest to become an SEC powerhouse. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Jackson Arnold when the 2025 season kicks off.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel and Max Olson
