The Auburn Tigers are in the middle of a roster shakeup that’s turning heads across college football, and it’s not slowing down. Since Alex Golesh took the reins, the Transfer Portal has been more of a revolving door than a safety valve for the Tigers. And this week, things escalated in a big way.
First came the news that wide receiver Cam Coleman was entering the portal - a gut punch in its own right. But just a day later, Auburn took an even bigger hit when freshman quarterback Deuce Knight announced he was leaving the program. For a team trying to build momentum under new leadership, this one stings.
Knight wasn’t just another name on the depth chart. He was one of Hugh Freeze’s signature recruiting wins - a five-star talent who represented a potential end to Auburn’s recent quarterback carousel.
Even though he only got one start this season, a matchup against Mercer, Knight showed flashes of the kind of upside that had fans dreaming big. The arm talent is there.
The athleticism is real. And now, he’s back on the market.
There’s no doubt Knight will draw plenty of interest. Whether a program sees him as a plug-and-play option or a developmental project with sky-high potential, he’s going to be one of the most talked-about names in the portal this cycle. Let’s take a closer look at three programs that could be major players for the talented freshman.
LSU Tigers
The LSU quarterback room is in flux, and Lane Kiffin has some serious retooling to do. With Garrett Nussmeier heading to the NFL and Colin Hurley hitting the portal, there’s a gaping hole under center in Baton Rouge. The Tigers have now gone two straight recruiting cycles without signing a quarterback, which only adds urgency.
Enter Deuce Knight.
Kiffin’s offensive system has long been a draw for quarterbacks looking to develop and shine. Knight could walk into a wide-open competition with Michael Van Buren or another incoming transfer.
And even if he doesn’t win the job right away, there’s value in learning under Kiffin’s tutelage. It’s a quarterback-friendly scheme, and for a player like Knight, it could be the perfect environment to grow into the star many believe he can be.
Boston College Eagles
This one might not jump off the page at first glance, but don’t sleep on Boston College. The Eagles made a savvy move by bringing in Kenyatta Watson - formerly of Auburn - as their new General Manager. Knight has spoken highly of Watson in the past, and that connection could be a key factor here.
Boston College is coming off a rough 2-10 season, and new head coach Bill O’Brien is looking to reset the culture and the offense. O’Brien’s track record with quarterbacks is well-established, from college to the NFL.
If Knight wants a place where he can get coached up by someone who’s developed pros, this is a compelling option. Add in the Watson connection, and BC could be a dark horse in this race.
Louisville Cardinals
Louisville is back in the quarterback market after Miller Moss exhausted his eligibility and backup Deuce Adams entered the portal. Head coach Jeff Brohm has already proven he can develop quarterbacks - just look at his track record. And while the Cardinals didn’t land Knight out of high school, they were in the mix.
Now, with a vacancy and a system that rewards smart, athletic quarterbacks, Louisville could be an ideal landing spot. Brohm’s offense is built to highlight a quarterback’s strengths, and for someone with Knight’s dual-threat ability, that’s an enticing fit. If he’s looking for a place to maximize his 5-star potential, Louisville deserves a long look.
Deuce Knight’s next move will be one of the most intriguing storylines of this offseason. He’s got the tools, the pedigree, and now the experience of navigating the highs and lows of big-time college football. Wherever he lands, he’s going to be a name to watch - not just in the spring, but well into the fall and beyond.