When Alex Golesh takes the reins at Auburn next season, he’ll be doing so without one of the program’s most intriguing young quarterbacks. Deuce Knight, a redshirt freshman with tantalizing upside, is entering the transfer portal - a move that adds another layer of complexity to Auburn’s ongoing rebuild under its new head coach.
Knight’s time on the field this season was brief, but it was enough to turn heads. In just two appearances, he completed 17 of 25 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Most of that production came in a dominant 62-17 win over Mercer, where he not only showcased his arm with a 15-for-20 passing performance, but also flashed game-breaking speed on the ground - rushing for 162 yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries.
That kind of dual-threat ability is rare, and it’s part of what made Knight such a coveted recruit coming out of high school. He chose Auburn after being pursued by programs like Notre Dame and Ole Miss, with former head coach Hugh Freeze playing a key role in bringing him to the Plains. But with Freeze dismissed on November 2 and Golesh officially hired from South Florida on November 30, the quarterback room - like much of the roster - is now in flux.
For Auburn, this is another ripple in a period of transition. The Tigers have missed out on bowl games in three of the last four seasons, and the program is clearly banking on Golesh to bring a new energy and identity to the team. His offensive background suggests a more up-tempo, modern approach - but now he’ll have to build that vision without Knight, who seemed like a natural fit for that kind of system.
The timing of Knight’s departure is also notable. With the 2026 season opener against Baylor in Atlanta already on the calendar for September 5, Auburn’s quarterback depth chart becomes a major storyline to watch heading into spring and summer. Will Golesh turn to a veteran presence, dip into the portal himself, or lean on another young talent already on campus?
One thing’s clear: Knight’s decision to move on leaves a significant “what if” hanging over Auburn’s future. His raw talent was evident, even in limited action. And while his next destination remains to be seen, his departure is a reminder of how quickly things can shift in today’s college football landscape - especially during coaching transitions.
As the Tigers prepare for a new era under Golesh, they’ll do so without one of the more dynamic playmakers they had in the pipeline.