Deuce Knight credits Jackson Arnold after breakout performance vs. Mercer
By Mark Kern
Published:
Deuce Knight has been waiting for his chance to be the quarterback for Auburn, and fans have been calling for him for quite some time. On Saturday, he got his first career start against Mercer and provided the type of performance that gives Tigers fans hope for the future.
In his first career start, Knight went 15-of-20 for 239 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also showcased his running potential, as he rushed for another 162 yards and four more scores.
Jackson Arnold was the starter at the beginning of the year, but he has lost the job in the last couple weeks. Despite that, Knight had nothing but praise for Arnold, saying he helped him prepare for this game.
“Jackson called out what coverage they were going to play on the first snap,” Knight said. “He is probably one of the smartest guys I know. It was exactly what Jackson called out. I told my whole family that I believe Jackson is probably one of the 10 smartest people I have ever met. He called it out.”
Knight entered Auburn with huge expectations. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he was a 5-star recruit and the No. 28 prospect in the 2025 class. Before the game Saturday, he was only 2-of-5 passing for 20 yards.
The Tigers face a much tougher opponent in the regular season finale, as they take on Alabama in the Iron Bowl. With a win, Auburn would be bowl eligible, while also potentially eliminating the Crimson Tide from the SEC race as well as the College Football Playoff.
