DJ Durkin names starting quarterback for Auburn vs. Vanderbilt
By Mark Kern
Published:
Ashton Daniels will make his second straight start on Saturday when Auburn faces No. 16 Vanderbilt on the road.
During the SEC coaches teleconference call on Wednesday, interim head coach DJ Durkin announced that Auburn would be sticking with Daniels going forward. Daniels started last week’s game against Kentucky, taking over for Jackson Arnold.
“We’ve made the decision that Ashton Daniels will be our starting quarterback,” Durkin said, per AuburnSports‘ Justin Hokanson. “I think he gives us the best opportunity to win the game. Our coaches, our team is 100% behind him. He’s done a good job preparing this week, so he’ll be the guy we go with, and we have a good plan for him.”
Last week against Kentucky, Daniels had a very difficult game. He went 13-of-28 for 104 yards and one interception through the air. He was running for his life all game, and he was sacked 5 times.
In his 2 prior seasons, both at Stanford, Daniels threw for 3,947 yards with 21 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He also ran for 669 yards and 3 scores as a junior during the 2024 campaign. He transferred to Auburn this offseason.
Struggles at the quarterback position have hurt the Tigers’ program for the last few seasons. That was a position that former head coach Hugh Freeze just couldn’t get right during his time.
Kickoff between the Tigers and Commodores is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be on the SEC Network.
