Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to reports from On3’s Pete Nakos. Knight, a former five-star recruit, had a promising but brief debut during his true freshman season, where he tallied 259 passing yards and two touchdown passes, in addition to contributing 178 rushing yards and four touchdowns in just two appearances.
One of Knight’s standout moments came during a Nov. 22 game against Mercer, where he made his first start. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 239 yards and added an impressive 162 yards on the ground, contributing to six touchdowns in a decisive 62-17 victory. Auburn’s interim coach DJ Durkin praised Knight’s performance at the time, noting the impressive support from his teammates.
Knight’s decision to transfer comes in the wake of a tumultuous season for Auburn football, marked by the firing of head coach Hugh Freeze. Following Freeze’s departure, the Tigers have brought in Alex Golesh as their new head coach. Knight had committed to Auburn under Freeze and his staff in December 2024. The team finished the season with a disappointing 5-7 record, including a mere 1-7 against SEC opponents.
Before beginning his college career, Knight was recognized as the No. 25 player overall and the fifth-ranked quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class by Rivals, also being hailed as the top prospect from Mississippi. As the NCAA transfer portal opens on January 2 for a 15-day window, Knight now has the opportunity to explore new options and connect with other schools.
Players participating in the College Football Playoff will have a few extra days to weigh their transfer decisions, with the portal closing for them on January 24. This period presents a pivotal moment for student-athletes to consider their futures in light of their experiences in college football. Fans and observers can track the ongoing developments in the transfer portal through On3’s dedicated platforms, which provide timely updates on player movements.