Jackson Arnold

NFL Draft Profile: Jackson Arnold

Position: Quarterback | School: Auburn (via Oklahoma) | Class: Junior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 219 lbs | Archetype: Dual-Threat / Gunslinger

College Career Summary

Jackson Arnold’s career has been a rollercoaster of high-profile expectations and high-stakes transitions. Originally a 5-star recruit and the Gatorade National Player of the Year at Oklahoma, Arnold was hailed as the next great Sooner signal-caller. However, after a turbulent 2024 season in Norman characterized by inconsistent play and an offensive system in flux, Arnold made the bold move to transfer to Auburn for the 2025 season.

Under Hugh Freeze, Arnold found a "restart" that emphasized his physical toughness and rushing floor. While his passing yardage was lower than in 2024, his efficiency improved, and he became a legitimate weapon in the SEC's rushing attack. He opened the season with a career-high 137 rushing yards against Baylor and anchored a Tigers offense that relied heavily on his ability to create on the ground. Despite being briefly benched late in the season in favor of a "primary backup" role against Mercer and Kentucky, Arnold remains a high-ceiling prospect due to his "live" arm and elite high school pedigree.

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 1,309

• Completion %: 63.3%

• Touchdowns: 6 Passing, 8 Rushing (14 Total)

• Interceptions: 2

• Rushing Yards: 311 (team-high 8 rushing TDs)

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	@ Baylor	11/17, 108 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	A-	The Ground War. 137 rushing yards and 2 TDs; secured the win with his legs.
2	vs Ball State	24/28, 251 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A+	Peak Passing. 85.7% completion; looked like the 5-star recruit he was.
3	vs South Alabama	13/24, 142 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B	Controlled the game; added 2 rushing TDs to offset a quiet passing day.
4	@ Oklahoma	21/32, 220 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B+	The Revenge Game. High poise in a return to Norman; 133.7 rating.
5	@ Texas A&M	18/33, 125 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	C	Struggled with passing rhythm; kept the game close with a rushing TD.
7	vs Georgia	19/31, 137 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	B-	Battled a dominant defense; 55 rushing yards and a score showed grit.
8	vs Missouri	18/30, 207 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	C+	One interception; mobility was limited by a heavy Tiger pass rush.
9	@ Arkansas	7/12, 73 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	C-	Limited volume; struggled to generate explosive plays.
10	vs Kentucky	2/3, 15 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	D	The Bench Period. Only saw action in a backup capacity.
12	vs Mercer	3/5, 31 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	B	Sparked a drive off the bench; 56-yard TD run highlighted his speed.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Compact, Powerful Frame: At 219 lbs, he has a solid build that allows him to initiate contact and win on "power" rushing concepts between the tackles.

• Elite "Live" Arm: The ball jumps off his hand. He can make every NFL-level throw, from back-shoulder fades to driving intermediate outs across the field.

• Toughness and Leadership: Hugh Freeze praised his "swagger and toughness." He is a competitor who will put the team on his back, literally, in the run game.

• Ball Security Growth: After a turnover-prone 2024, he only threw two interceptions in 2025, showing significant growth in his decision-making.

Weaknesses

• Processing Speed: At times, Arnold is "gun shy," waiting for a receiver to be completely open before pulling the trigger, which leads to sacks or missed windows.

• Inconsistent Depth of Target: In 2025, the Auburn system often focused on short-game efficiency, leaving scouts wanting to see more high-volume vertical attacking.

• Career Volatility: Two transfers and a late-season benching in 2025 raise questions about his stability and long-term development as a pure pocket passer.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Heavy RPO / Power-Spread. Similar to Jalen Hurts or Bo Nix, he needs an offense that utilizes his legs to create a "plus-one" advantage while simplifying his passing progressions.

Scout's Final Word

"Jackson Arnold is the definition of a 'Post-Hype Sleeper.' The physical tools are undeniable, and his 2025 tape showed he can be a top-tier rushing threat. However, the mental processing needs to catch up to the arm strength. He projects as a Round 4–7 Developmental Prospect who could bloom into a starter if he lands with a coach who can rebuild his confidence in the pocket."