Freshman quarterback Deuce Knight shattered multiple records during his first start for Auburn on Saturday, leading the Tigers to a 62-17 victory over Mercer. Throwing for more than 200 yards, Knight helped keep Auburn’s hopes of bowl contention alive.
Next week, in a significant clash with Alabama, which is aiming to preserve its playoff hopes, Knight will have the chance to solidify Auburn’s bowl prospects. According to PFSN’s playoff meter, the Tigers are predicted to lose the game and finish the season 5-7.
Teammate Raves About Deuce Knight After Dominant Display
Knight’s Auburn teammate, offensive lineman Mason Murphy, spoke in Saturday’s postgame press conference, praising the freshman quarterback for his performance. Knight rushed for more than 160 yards and four touchdowns.
5 ⭐️ DEUCE KNIGHT ON THE FIRST PLAY OF THE GAME.
AUBURN’S SAVIOR HAS ARRIVED.
— College Football Report (@CFBReport) November 22, 2025
“He has an approach to the game that is similar to a pro. He takes every little ounce of coaching that you can get, and he is just an all-around good leader and a role model for the other freshmen to follow. Overall, his approach has been that of a pro for sure.” Murphy said after the game.
Murphy, a senior, has started all 10 games this season. Before joining Auburn, the offensive lineman played in 39 games, making 22 starts for the USC Trojans from 2021 to 2024. According to PFSN OL rankings, he is 420th overall at his position.
During Saturday’s game, Knight accumulated more than 384 total yards, combining rushing and passing, and scored six touchdowns in three quarters before Jackson Arnold took over. He became the first true freshman in Auburn football history to rush for more than four touchdowns in a single game.
The Auburn freshman quarterback had seen the field only once this season before Saturday. During Auburn’s home opener earlier in the year, he went 2-for-5 passing for 20 yards. A five-star recruit out of George County, Knight was the fifth-best quarterback prospect in the 2025 class.
The decision to start Knight also aimed to preserve the redshirt of Ashton Daniels. Per NCAA rules, players may participate in no more than four regular-season games to maintain redshirt status.
In 2024, Knight completed 100 of 165 passes in high school, finishing with 2,067 yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions, leading George County to a 6-4 record as a senior. He missed a few games due to a hamstring injury.
In his report on the quarterback, 247 Sports director of scouting Andrew Irvin described him as a dual-threat left-hander with a strong testing profile who has shown improvement as a passer but remains a work in progress as he begins his collegiate career.
Following his breakout performance on Saturday, Auburn’s next head coach will have a decision to make between Daniels, Knight, and Arnold, who also rushed for a touchdown in the game. One issue they do not face, however, is a lack of talent at the position.
