Jackson Arnold’s QB1 spot dream opened wide when Dillon Gabriel decided to transfer to Oregon. Sure, Arnold would now have all the time to be the QB1, right? Not really. Hawkins Jr. disagreed with the thought quite ferociously. But Arnold started the season, anyway. Despite being a starter in multiple games initially, Oklahoma dropped Arnold. His performance against Tennessee had questions ringing all around as he was replaced by Hawkins Jr., who also couldn’t save the game. Arnold did make a comeback as a starter after Hawkins failed to come up against the Longhorns, but couldn’t salvage the season as the Sooners finished 6-7 overall. But was Arnold really the problem?
Jackson Arnold produced 1,421 yards at a modest 62.6% pass completion rate last year. The QB also ran for 444 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Not really some jaw-dropping stats. But the Sooners’ offense wasn’t exactly ‘world-class’ last year as injuries at the wide receiver position marred the season. Moreover, the offensive line couldn’t quite protect the QB as it was probably OU’s worst unit overall. So, Jackson Arnold changed camps and joined the Auburn Tigers for a change of fortunes. Hoping to produce a season that can well keep him in Heisman discussions. All in all, the plan can work perfectly, albeit there’s a catch that potentially says that Arnold may not be the ‘top dog’ anymore.
Former Penn State legend turned analyst Adam Breneman placed Jackson Arnold below Mark Gronowski, an ignored QB in Heisman circles. The analyst placed Arnold in second position in his list of “5 under-the-radar transfers for the 2025 season” to watch. “At number two is quarterback, Jackson Arnold at Auburn, despite his failed tenure in Oklahoma, Arnold, was a five-star prospect coming out of high school, one of the very best in the country and now he has one of the best wide receiver duos in the nation.” Well, that does make a case for Jackson Arnold.
Auburn has 4 main wide receivers on their roster in the 2025 season. Those are Bryce Cain, Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons. And, while all of these players do provide a well-rounded threat, the most anticipated WR would be the freshly incoming transfer from Georgia Tech, Eric Singleton Jr. The stats? The WR received 754 yards for 56 receptions in the 2023 season and backed it up by improving it to 714 yards for 48 receptions in 2024. So, Jackson Arnold will surely have all the ingredients to perform. But then comes the case for Mark Gronowski.
Adam Breneman placed Mark Gronowski at the top of his list and provided quite a rosy picture. “At number one, drum roll please, quarterback Mark Gronowski from Iowa, the South Dakota State legend threw for 10, 000 career yards and 130 total touchdowns. He will resurrect Iowa’s offense and I’m calling it here first, he will win the Big Ten Newcomer of the Year in 2025“.
Well, Big Ten Newcomer of the Year for a lesser-known QB? Seems perplexing, right? Well, that same QB produced more than 3,000+ yards in seasons (passing and rushing) year after year since 2022 for South Dakota State. The QB has vast experience and will look to employ the same at Iowa, as he has transferred to the program now. However, the player’s last season was marred by an injury that he suffered against North Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs. Still, the QB has since recovered well and will look to lead Iowa to at least a ten-win season. That could also see them playing in the playoffs, considering their schedule looks tough.
Deuce Knight fuels Auburn’s QB battle speculation?
Jackson Arnold’s 2025 QB1 place seems to be fixed as of now. However, no one can say that for the 2026 season or even later in the 2025 season. Why? Well, Auburn has done some wonders in its 2025 class and has roped in 26 freshmen enrollees along with 16 transfers. Their class is ranked 8th nationally and has all the firepower to compete at the highest level. But the most attractive prospect in the class is undoubtedly Deuce Knight. At 6 foot 41/2 and 208 lbs, the QB has all the potential to challenge Arnold’s spot in the future. Moreover, he is ranked as a five-star prospect and 5th in his position, which tells you the talent the guy possesses. But, the QB had something to say about Jackson Arnold’s seven-figure NIL deal.
I’ll call Jackson at night if we’re looking over a script or something to ask him a question….he’ll have the answer for me,”. Knight brings this up when talking about Arnold in an interview on The Next Round Live show. He also says, “having another coach on the field” for Arnold Jackson whenever he is on the field.
Well, the NIL deal that Jackson Arnold has signed is close to a $2.5 million deal with the program. Moreover, the QB has also been involved with different brands as he signed a season-long agreement to promote JLab, on his social media. This guaranteed him a $650,000 payment moreover Arnold also had signed with 1Oklahoma and Crimson and Cream Collective, which gave the QB $769,000 through that deal. Deuce Knight, on the other hand, has a NIL valuation of $950K and is the seventh-highest-ranked NIL value in his class. However, the NIL details of the young QB haven’t been released yet.
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