Before Auburn’s retooled roster takes the field for its open practice on A-Day this Saturday, here’s a look at how the Tigers have addressed last season’s biggest deficits.
Everyone remembers last year as a disappointing year with multiple starters at quarterback both struggling while the losses piled up. The biggest problem last year was that it felt like the Tigers had some potential in the receiving room but struggled to distribute the ball in their run-pass-option offense. Both Payton Thorne and Hank Brown turned the ball over at high rates for most of the season, making it feel like the offense was being held back from its full potential.
With quarterback play being the most pressing issue, head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff addressed it aggressively during the offseason. Auburn added two high-level quarterbacks in four-star recruit and No. 6 overall QB Deuce Knight, as well as Jackson Arnold, a former five-star who transferred in from Oklahoma. Both are expected to take the field in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time on Saturday.
“He fit with me and our visits,” Freeze said regarding the addition of Arnold, “and with the culture that we want here. I think he fits that. And his skill set, I think, is really good, and he's throwing it at a high, high level right now to guys he believes in and trust that they're going to make plays on the ball for him, and hopefully that confidence just continues to grow.”
In addition to the quarterback position, the other focal point of this renewed offense that will be on display at A-Day is the outstanding group of receivers the Tigers have amassed going into this season. The Tigers again went to the transfer portal and added two of the biggest transfers in the country in speed threat Eric Singleton Jr. and former Duke standout Horatio Fields. Their wide receiver room also includes the returning sophomores and former four-stars Malcolm Simmons, Bryce Cain, and Perry Thompson along with returning starter and former five-star Cam Coleman. For most of these guys, A-Day will be their first chance in the spotlight as a Tiger.
“Perry is starting to mature,” Coach Freeze commented on Thompson’s progress this offseason, “…I'm excited about what he can become but still have to stay on, and let's learn how to compete every single play. It can't be just two out of three. We've got to do every single one the right way. The thing about that room is they demand it, because competitiveness in there is high, and you're going to earn your right to get those reps.”
With extreme depth at the receiver position, it would seem hard to be noticed as a true freshman at practice, but freshman WR Sam Turner has turned heads so far this spring and is now looking to show his impact on A-Day to the fans.
“He’s going to be dynamic,” Coach Freeze said about Turner, “and he’s added great depth to us on the outside and able to give some breaks to Cam (Coleman) and Perry (Thompson) and Horatio (Fields) for sure. For a freshman, he’s sharp, he picks it up. “
With key additions through the transfer portal and a top-tier recruiting class, Auburn will aim to turn last season’s offensive struggles into a strength. Fans will get their first look at this revamped unit at noon Saturday during A-Day in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
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Reid is a freshman, exploratory major. He joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @ReidFarris2
