In today’s Auburn Tigers News, Veteran quarterback is in the spotlight for the Tigers, while head coach Butch Thompson acknowledges that his baseball team still has much to learn.
In Hugh Freeze’s first two seasons as Auburn’s football head coach, the team has finished with losing records. Year three will be crucial for Freeze’s future with the Tigers. Last year, he opted to bring back quarterback Payton Thorne for a second season, but this decision didn’t pay off as Auburn struggled at the position. However, the 2025 season will see a new group of athletes in that role, with Arnold, a former Oklahoma quarterback, expected to start. With additions to the offensive line and wide receiver room through the transfer portal, Arnold is expected to help turn things around for Freeze and the Tigers, as highlighted by CBS Sports.
Arnold, a former five-star recruit, had a difficult start in 2023, which included being benched and earning a QBR ranking of 91st nationally. However, his struggles were partly due to a depleted wide receiver corps—Oklahoma’s top five receivers missed almost the entire 2024 season—and poor offensive line play. With Auburn’s new portal additions, Arnold will have better support this season, and his performance this spring will provide insight into Auburn’s 2025 potential.
On the baseball front, the Auburn baseball team has started strong this season with only one loss in twelve games, including a notable victory over No. 8 Oregon State in San Antonio. However, despite their success, head coach Butch Thompson believes there’s still much for the team to learn.
“I’m excited for our players to play well and win, but I’ve got to find a way for us to learn a few things. There were some vulnerable moments,” Thompson shared with the Auburn Network, via Auburn Rivals.
The Tigers allowed five home runs over the past two days and nearly gave up two more in the Baylor game. Thompson emphasized the need for better pitch placement, noting that no matter how fast a pitcher throws, batters at this level can hit mistakes. The team also needs to focus on routine defensive plays. Auburn baseball played UAB on Wednesday night and will return to action this weekend with a home series against Old Dominion.