Quarterback performance has been a focal point of criticism during Hugh Freeze’s first two seasons as Auburn’s head coach. Freeze’s decision to stick with senior quarterback Payton Thorne rather than pursuing reinforcements through the transfer portal was met with scrutiny, particularly during Thorne’s early struggles.
Although Thorne was benched for two games in favor of freshman Hank Brown, he returned to the starting role and improved significantly, throwing 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions to finish the season. However, this improvement wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as Auburn won only three of its final eight games, ending with a 5-7 record. This marked the program’s fourth consecutive losing season, the longest such stretch since 1946-1950.
With Thorne exhausting his college eligibility, Auburn will need a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The challenge is compounded by the departures of sophomores Holden Geriner and Hank Brown, who entered the transfer portal. The current quarterback room includes redshirt freshman Walker White, who saw limited action in a blowout win over UL Monroe, and Deuce Knight, a highly-rated recruit who recently signed his national letter of intent.
For Freeze to reverse Auburn’s fortunes, acquiring an experienced quarterback through the transfer portal is essential. Several potential targets could help the Tigers improve offensively in 2025:
- Kaidon Salter
Salter, who played under Freeze at Liberty, is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. His 2023 season was stellar, with over 2,800 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and over 1,000 rushing yards with 12 scores. While his 2024 performance dipped, his familiarity with Freeze’s system and playmaking ability could provide immediate impact. - Miller Moss
Moss showed flashes of brilliance at USC, including a 378-yard performance against LSU. Though he struggled in tighter games, Auburn’s offensive talent could help him regain confidence and consistency. - John Mateer
Mateer is a dual-threat quarterback with over 3,000 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 826 rushing yards in 2024. If he enters the portal, his versatility could make Auburn’s offense highly productive. - Jackson Arnold
Arnold, a former five-star recruit, displayed promise in late-season upsets over Alabama and LSU. With a solid mix of passing efficiency and running ability, he could thrive under Freeze’s leadership at Auburn.
