Jackson Arnold had a bumpy road with the Sooners.
Jackson Arnold Appears on Disappointing List After Oklahoma Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Auburn Tigers went out and acquired Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold from the transfer portal this offseason.
Arnold was a former five-star prospect and was the starter in his second year with the Sooners. However, things did not go as planned in his sophomore season.
He had a good start in the first three games, throwing for 484 passing yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
Things took a turn for the worse against the Tennessee Volunteers, as he was benched in the first half after throwing one interception and fumbling twice.
Arnold found himself at No. 9 on On3's Pete Nakos' list of quarterbacks under pressure in 2025.
"Hugh Freeze told reporters earlier this week that he asked defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to go easier on quarterback Jackson Arnold," Nakos said. "It’s just the latest evidence that Arnold is working to build back his confidence after an up-and-down 2024 season at Oklahoma. But once the 2025 season begins, Arnold will be expected to lead Auburn to a winning record for the first time in the Hugh Freeze era. If the former five-star recruit cannot improve, Freeze’s job will be squarely on the hot seat."
Arnold was replaced by Michael Hawkins Jr. under center for the next three games before being named the starter again. Arnold ended last season with 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, three interceptions and nine fumbles.
Despite the turnover issues, On3's JD PicKell believes the former Oklahoma quarterback could be the key to unlocking Auburn's offense.
Head coach Hugh Freeze desperately needs the Arnold experiment to work out, as he enters his third year with the program with an 11-14 record. Freeze has one bowl game appearance thus far, but no winning seasons at Auburn.
Because Freeze has struggled with the Tigers, On3's Ari Wasserman put the head coach on the hot seat for 2025.
Arnold and Auburn have a lot to prove this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
