Deuce Knight’s Transfer Portal Entry Opens Up Intriguing Possibilities Across College Football
Former Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight is officially on the move, and his name will be one of the most intriguing to watch when the transfer portal window opens on January 2. Knight announced his decision to explore other opportunities just a day after wide receiver Cam Coleman made his own transfer intentions known, setting the stage for a wave of offseason changes on the Plains.
And make no mistake-Knight won’t be short on options. Early buzz points to LSU, Ole Miss, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Oregon as potential landing spots. But when you dig into the fit, the depth charts, and the relationships at play, two schools stand out as the most compelling destinations: Ole Miss and Notre Dame.
Ole Miss: A Home-State Connection and a Clearer Path
Let’s start with the Rebels. Knight is a Mississippi native, hailing from Lucedale, and he’s no stranger to the energy in Oxford.
He was spotted celebrating with the team after their 2024 upset win over Georgia-a moment that seemed to resonate on a personal level. That kind of connection matters, especially for a young quarterback looking for a fresh start and a fanbase ready to rally behind him.
Ole Miss is also facing a quarterback transition. Trinidad Chambliss is on his way out, whether it’s due to NCAA eligibility issues or a potential reunion with Lane Kiffin at LSU. That leaves a vacancy in Oxford, and with Knight’s ties to the area and the program, it’s easy to see why the Rebels are considered a frontrunner.
There’s also a certain flexibility at Ole Miss that could work in Knight’s favor. They’re not necessarily looking for a plug-and-play star-they’re open to a developmental arc. And if Knight needs time to settle in and grow, the Rebels might be the most patient and supportive environment among his suitors.
Notre Dame: A Competitive Room and a Familiar Opportunity
Then there’s Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are in the market for quarterback competition after Kenny Minchey entered the portal, leaving CJ Carr as the presumed leader in the clubhouse. But Carr, while talented, is still young, and Notre Dame has made it clear they want depth and competition at the position.
Knight was already in the mix to compete for a starting job last year, and there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be up for the challenge again in South Bend. For a quarterback looking to prove himself on a national stage with a program that routinely plays in marquee matchups, Notre Dame checks a lot of boxes.
Oregon and Indiana: Less Likely, But Still in Play
Oregon and Indiana have been mentioned, but there are reasons to be skeptical. Both programs have shown a preference for quarterbacks who are closer to being NFL-ready. Oregon brought in Dante Moore, and Indiana added Fernando Mendoza-both more established commodities with immediate upside.
Knight, while highly talented, is still more of a long-term investment. That might give pause to teams looking for a quick fix rather than a developmental project.
What This Means for Auburn
No matter where Knight lands, Auburn fans are going to feel this one. If he blossoms into the quarterback many believe he can be, it’ll be hard not to imagine what could’ve been had he stayed. That kind of “what if” storyline tends to linger, especially when it involves a former blue-chip recruit who never quite got the chance to show what he could do in orange and blue.
On the other hand, if things don’t pan out, there will be those wondering why Auburn committed so heavily to a player who never cracked the starting lineup. Either way, the decision is going to echo through the program for a while.
And as for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers’ recent rollercoaster of a season? That chapter closes with 2025. But the ripple effects-especially when it comes to quarterback development and transfer portal strategy-are far from over.
Deuce Knight’s next stop could define not just his career, but also serve as a case study in how programs handle young, talented quarterbacks in an era where patience is rare and the portal is always calling.