Former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy has expressed skepticism regarding Jackson Arnold’s potential impact at Auburn. On his show “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” McElroy described Arnold as “damaged” following a challenging season at Oklahoma, suggesting it may take time for him to recover and questioning his ability to avoid critical mistakes that previously led to benchings.
Arnold’s 2024 season at Oklahoma was marked by struggles, including turnovers and inconsistent performances. He was benched during a Week 4 loss to Tennessee after multiple turnovers and later burned his redshirt eligibility when reinserted during a game against South Carolina, where he completed 18 of 36 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown but was sacked eight times.
Despite these challenges, Arnold transferred to Auburn in December 2024, aiming for a fresh start under head coach Hugh Freeze. While some analysts, like ESPN’s Rece Davis, find Arnold’s move to Auburn compelling and see potential for a positive outcome, McElroy remains cautious, emphasizing the need for Arnold to overcome past issues to succeed in the SEC.
As Arnold prepares for his debut with the Tigers, his performance will be closely monitored to determine if he can fulfill the promise that once made him a top recruit.
