Auburn to Start Deuce Knight at Quarterback Against Mercer

Auburn football has experienced a turbulent 2025 season following the departure of Hugh Freeze, with interim head coach DJ Durkin now overseeing the program. The Tigers have dropped two straight games since a 33-24 win over Arkansas, a team also led by an interim coach after Sam Pittman was dismissed. The recent struggles have prompted careful management of the team’s roster and quarterback rotation as the regular season winds down.

After a narrow 45-38 loss to Vanderbilt, Auburn opted to rest redshirt quarterback Ashton Daniels, who transferred from Stanford, in order to preserve his eligibility. That decision means other quarterbacks will step into starting roles for the final regular-season games. Jackson Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma, and backup Deuce Knight had previously shared playing time, but Knight has now been selected to start against Mercer.

The move was confirmed Thursday by Tom Loy of 247Sports, with Knight expected to make his first career start for Auburn. Daniels had played in the last three games, including a strong showing against Vanderbilt, where he completed 31-of-44 passes for 353 yards and two touchdowns. By resting Daniels, Auburn ensures he maintains his redshirt while giving Knight valuable experience ahead of the season’s finale.

Knight’s previous action has been limited, totaling 2-of-5 passing for 20 yards in mop-up duty against Ball State. Nevertheless, Durkin expressed confidence in both Knight and Arnold, emphasizing preparation and team support as critical components for success moving forward.

1. Quarterback Depth and Strategy

Auburn’s quarterback situation this season has been fluid, with Daniels, Arnold, and Knight all seeing varying levels of action. Daniels emerged late in the year as a reliable option, prompting the coaching staff to make strategic choices to protect his redshirt and manage the roster. Jackson Arnold handled the majority of playing time before Daniels’ appearances, displaying promise as a transfer quarterback adapting to a new system. Knight’s promotion to starter against Mercer signals the staff’s willingness to provide experience for younger players while preserving options for the Iron Bowl finale. Durkin has emphasized a team-focused approach to quarterback development, noting that both Knight and Arnold have the potential for success with proper preparation. “We’re going to put together a great plan for both of these guys to have success,” Durkin said. He also stressed the importance of teammates rallying around the quarterbacks to ensure cohesion on and off the field. This strategy allows Auburn to maintain competitiveness while giving younger players meaningful experience and preparing for postseason challenges. It also underscores the staff’s focus on development rather than short-term fixes in a season of transition.

2. Preparing for the Mercer Game

Knight will make his first start in Saturday’s Week 13 matchup against Mercer, a game that presents an opportunity for him to gain confidence and rhythm. Though his previous on-field experience is limited, the coaching staff believes he can execute the game plan effectively. The matchup against Mercer also allows Auburn to rest key contributors, including Daniels, ahead of the Iron Bowl against Alabama. Managing playing time carefully will be essential to ensuring the team is physically and mentally prepared for the season finale against their in-state rival. Durkin has praised Knight’s potential and encouraged the team to support him fully, highlighting the importance of a positive environment for growth. The preparation this week has focused on giving Knight the tools to succeed while keeping the team competitive. As the regular season concludes, Auburn’s quarterback rotation and game management decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s momentum and setting the tone for the offseason. How Knight performs against Mercer could influence Durkin’s choices for the Iron Bowl and future personnel decisions.

3. Looking Ahead to the Iron Bowl

Auburn’s final regular-season game is the highly anticipated Iron Bowl against Alabama, where decisions regarding quarterback usage will be critical. Daniels could see action in that game while still preserving his redshirt, depending on how Knight and Arnold perform leading up to the matchup. The coaching staff’s ability to balance development, strategy, and competitiveness will be tested as Auburn navigates the final weeks of the season. Durkin’s leadership in managing transitions at key positions will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. Despite the midseason turbulence and coaching changes, Auburn has opportunities to end the year on a positive note. Strategic quarterback decisions, combined with a supportive team culture, will be vital as the Tigers aim to finish strong. Knight’s debut against Mercer represents a key step in preparing the team for both immediate challenges and long-term development as Auburn looks ahead to the next chapter of its program.