Auburn Tigers quarterback Deuce Knight is reportedly set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Knight, a former five-star recruit, had a promising start to his college career, showcasing his talent with 259 passing yards and two touchdowns in his true freshman season. He also demonstrated his versatility with 13 carries for 178 yards and four additional scores during two appearances.
One of his standout performances came in the Nov. 22 matchup against Mercer, where he completed 15-20 passes (75 percent) for 239 yards and also ran for 162 yards, accounting for six total touchdowns. The Auburn Tigers secured a 62-17 victory, fueled by Knight's impressive plays, including a 75-yard rushing score, a 51-yard rush in the first quarter, and a 91-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malcolm Simmons.
However, the team's fortunes took a turn when former head coach Hugh Freeze was fired midway through the season, and the team struggled with a 5-7 record, including a 1-7 mark against SEC opponents. Knight had committed to Freeze and his staff in December 2024, but the coaching change may have influenced his decision to explore other options.
As a highly recruited player, Knight was ranked as the No. 25 player and No. 5 overall quarterback in the 2025 class by the Rivals Industry Rankings, making him the top-ranked player from Mississippi. With the NCAA transfer portal opening on January 2, Knight will have the opportunity to officially enter his name and initiate contact with other schools. The portal will be open for 15 days, closing on January 16, with an additional five-day extension for players on teams competing in the national championship game.
