Auburn's Arnold moves on from Oklahoma: 'Nice to feel wanted'
Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold believes the first spring session with his new team has "by far" been his best following a transfer from Oklahoma this offseason.
Arnold told reporters Wednesday that the Tigers being one of the first teams to contact him in the transfer portal and their persistent recruiting were factors in him choosing the school, according to AL.com.
"They stressed how much they wanted me out of the portal too," Arnold said. "It's nice to feel wanted."
The 20-year-old passer joined Auburn after two seasons at Oklahoma. A five-star prospect out of high school, Arnold was the top-rated quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class and was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2022.
Arnold began last season as the Sooners' starting QB before being benched in favor of Michael Hawkins Jr. during a loss to Tennessee. He regained the starting role four weeks later but struggled to generate success the rest of the year.
He finished the season with 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 124.7 quarterback rating. He also ran for 444 yards and tallied three rushing scores and one TD reception.
The signal-caller isn't concerned about a possible learning curve ahead of his first year with the Tigers. Arnold referenced similarities between schemes he played in previously and those of Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze.
"I was able to pick up the offense really quick and be efficient early on with decision-making and accuracy," Arnold said.
Arnold is skipping an invitation to the annual Manning Passing Academy this summer to allow for more opportunities to build chemistry with his receivers.
The Tigers boast a talented receiving corps headlined by Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons, who combined for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.