Bold Take: Analyst Casts Doubt on Auburn’s QB Development Amid Key Question

Bold Take: Analyst Casts Doubt on Auburn’s QB Development Amid Key Question

 

A caller on Josh Pate’s show asked whether incoming transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold could experience a career resurgence similar to Bo Nix. Pate’s response reflected his skepticism about Auburn football’s current state.

 

 

 

 

 

“My question is, is Auburn going to be Oregon?” Pate asked, via On3. “Will they provide the same environment, the same supporting cast, and the same quality of coaching? As Meemaw always said, a five-star seed is worthless if planted in poor soil.

 

 

 

 

 

Pate went on to criticize Auburn’s struggles, arguing that with the resources and roster-building tools available in modern college football, there’s no excuse for underperformance in Year 3. While he stopped short of expecting Auburn to compete for an SEC title immediately, he made it clear the program must improve significantly.

 

 

 

 

 

His concerns seem directed at the coaching staff, particularly head coach Hugh Freeze, who is retaining both offensive coordinators and most of his assistants. Pate acknowledged that Auburn itself isn’t the problem—the program still has the potential to compete at a high level, as evidenced by its near-upsets of Georgia and Alabama in 2023. Recruiting has remained strong, with Freeze excelling at selling a rebuild.

 

 

 

However, doubts about Freeze persist. His first season in 2023 was an expected rebuilding year, but a blowout loss to New Mexico State was unacceptable. In 2024, with a more talented roster, Auburn still struggled. If Freeze hasn’t learned from those mistakes, Pate’s concerns may prove valid, and discussions about a coaching change could emerge despite AD John Cohen’s dismissal of hot seat rumors.