Daniels Pulled in Auburn Start at Kentucky

Hugh Freeze named Stanford transfer Ashton Daniels Auburn’s starting quarterback for the Nov. 1 game at Kentucky after an open competition and Daniels’ effective relief performance vs. Arkansas, when he completed 6-of-8 passes for 77 yards and rushed for 35 yards while sparking multiple second-half scoring drives. In his first start at Kentucky the offense struggled — Auburn punted on its first five possessions and gained just 117 yards in the first half. Freeze removed Daniels in the second half and reinserted Jackson Arnold as he looked for momentum, saying both quarterbacks would be prepared and emphasizing the need to “turn the ball loose.” Daniels graduated from Stanford before transferring to Auburn and was viewed as a closer-to-home option who could provide dynamic, dual-threat play. The switch back to Arnold during the game represents an early reversal of the decision to move Daniels into the starting role. The coaching staff indicated the quarterback competition and rotation would continue as Auburn seeks more consistent offensive production.