The experiment is over. Jackson Arnold, the high-profile transfer from Oklahoma who was supposed to be the savior of Auburn's offense, is gone. After a turbulent 2025 season that saw him benched and eventually transfer to UNLV in January, head coach Alex Golesh enters his second spring with the same question he faced in his first: Who is the quarterback?
The Vacuum at QB1
Arnold's departure leaves a void, but perhaps also an opportunity for a fresh start. Golesh's "Veer-and-Shoot" offense requires a quick decision-maker who can stretch the field vertically. Arnold struggled with consistency and turnovers, often holding the ball too long.
The focus now shifts to the remaining room. Will Golesh dip back into the portal for a post-spring transfer? Or will he look to develop Walker White, the talented sophomore who has been waiting in the wings? White possesses the physical tools but lacks significant game reps.
A Critical Spring for Golesh
This spring is arguably more critical than the last. The "Year 1 Transition" excuse is gone. The roster turnover has been massive—as evidenced by the exits of Arnold, Cam Coleman (Texas), and others. Golesh needs to identify a trigger-man who can execute his system efficiently, not just flash potential.
Expect a heavy emphasis on tempo and installation speed when practice opens. The patience of the Auburn faithful is thinning; they need to see an offense that resembles the high-octane units Golesh led at Tennessee and USF.
Outlook: Jackson Arnold's exit to UNLV is a humble reminder that talent on paper doesn't always translate to SEC success. Auburn's 2026 season depends entirely on finding the right fit, not just the highest star rating.