Former Five-Star QB Labeled One of the 'Biggest Busts' of the 2025 Season
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The transfer portal has become a significant part of college football. However, not every player picked up from the portal finds success. Some of these players do not have the season they had hoped for.
That was the case for Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold. The former Oklahoma Sooner transferred to Auburn after spending two seasons in Norman. He is a former five-star prospect and was brought in to fix Auburn’s quarterback woes and hopefully save head coach Hugh Freeze’s job.
The season did not go well for Arnold. He finished with only 1,309 passing yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for 311 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he was benched after a poor performance in a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. In that game, he threw for 73 yards and recorded one touchdown, but also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
His performance contributed to Freeze being let go after Auburn finished the season with a 5-7 record. He has since been replaced by former USF Bulls head coach Alex Golesh. Freeze has commented on Arnold’s season, placing some of the blame for his firing on Arnold’s performance.
“It didn’t work out to the level that he nor I both expected for him and our team,” Freeze said. “And that’s why I’m sitting here.”
His performance also landed him on CBS Sports’ list of biggest transfer portal busts. College football writer Cameron Salerno noted that Arnold was benched against Arkansas and the offense struggled to find consistency under his leadership.
Arnold’s disappointing season now leaves both sides searching for a reset. Auburn has already moved on, turning the page with a new head coach and another rebuild looming.
For Arnold, the label of transfer portal bust is a heavy one for a former five-star talent, but it underscores how unforgiving the quarterback position can be in the SEC. It has also been reported that he plans to enter the portal for a second time, meaning his Auburn chapter serves as a reminder that portal success is never guaranteed, no matter how high the pedigree.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names College Football Team That Could Be Facing Its Collapse
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos