Jackson Arnold is expected to take over as Auburn’s starting quarterback in 2025, and anticipation for his debut remains high. In July, Tigers coach Hugh Freeze frustrated some fans when he admitted he had instructed defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to ease up on Arnold during spring practice to help build the quarterback’s confidence.However, Durkin gave fans reason to be optimistic about Arnold’s ability after going up against him in fall camp."I love that he’s on our team, I really do," Durkin said Wednesday (via On3's Justin Hokanson). "He can make all the throws, he makes good decisions, gets the ball out fast, and he can beat you both ways. He can beat you with his arm or with his legs."Arnold played two seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to Auburn. Coming off a 5-7 record in 2024, the Tigers are counting on the former Sooners standout to lead a turnaround.The pressure is on Freeze, who becomes the first Auburn coach in 50 years to get a third season despite back-to-back losing years, and he is placing much of that hope on Arnold.Freeze has also been encouraged by Arnold’s performance in camp.“I’m really pleased with his decision-making,” Freeze said (via AL). “The ball is coming out quick, and I think he’s using his legs when he doesn’t feel comfortable with what he sees and creating.”Auburn’s quarterback room also includes transfer Ashton Daniels and five-star 2025 recruit Deuce Knight.Jackson Arnold earns big nod from former college coachOn Sunday’s episode of "Josh Pate’s College Football Show," analyst Josh Pate identified Jackson Arnold as one of the biggest question marks heading into the fall. Pate said Arnold’s performance so far hasn’t been “totally terrible” or “totally great."However, former UCLA star and current CBS college football analyst Rick Neuheisel is high on Arnold’s potential. The ex-Colorado coach even named Arnold his top newcomer for the 2025 season.“The reason I’m so long on him and his chances to be successful there is [Hugh Freeze] needs him to be so successful there,” Neuheisel said on Tuesday (via AL)."There is a bond immediately between head coach and quarterback. [Freeze] is a quarterback-friendly guy. I think Jackson Arnold is going to have a heck of an impact on War Eagle Nation.”Arnold will make his debut for Auburn on Aug. 29 against Baylor.