Auburn’s quarterback room just took a major hit-and it’s one that could ripple all the way to Knoxville in 2026.
Five-star freshman quarterback Deuce Knight has entered the transfer portal after just one season on The Plains. It’s the latest in a string of departures for Auburn since Alex Golesh, the former Tennessee offensive coordinator, took over the Tigers program. And Knight isn’t just any departure-he was supposed to be the future.
Knight saw limited action in his first year at Auburn, but he made a strong impression when given the chance. In a start against Mercer, he showed off the dual-threat skill set that made him such a coveted recruit.
He completed 15-of-20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns, and added 162 rushing yards and four scores on just nine carries. That’s not just efficient-that’s electric.
Even in a small sample size, Knight flashed the kind of upside that turns heads across the SEC.
His recruiting profile backs that up. Knight was the No. 28 overall player in his class, the No. 5 quarterback nationally, and the top-ranked player out of Mississippi, according to the 247Sports Composite. For a program like Auburn, losing a talent like that after one year is a gut punch.
But his exit could open the door for a familiar face. Byrum Brown, who starred for Golesh at USF, is in the portal himself.
The connection is obvious-Brown thrived under Golesh’s system, and with Auburn now looking for a new QB1, a reunion makes plenty of sense. Whether that happens or not, Auburn now has a clear need at the most important position on the field.
Looking ahead, Auburn will travel to Neyland Stadium on October 3, 2026, to face Tennessee in what will be UT’s second SEC game of the season. That matchup already had intrigue, but now it’s shaping up to be even more compelling.
Not only will it feature a potential quarterback storyline, but it also marks the return of multiple former Tennessee assistants to Knoxville. Golesh, of course, was Josh Heupel’s offensive coordinator before taking the head job at USF and now Auburn.
Tim Banks, another former Vols coordinator, is also on staff with the Tigers.
As for Tennessee, their own quarterback situation for 2026 is far from settled. Joey Aguilar is pushing for eligibility, but under current NCAA rules, he’s out of options-and time. That leaves redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon as the top in-house candidates, with Jake Merklinger having already hit the portal.
That uncertainty has many expecting Tennessee to once again turn to the transfer market. Heupel has had success going that route before, and with the portal officially opening on January 2, 2026, the timing is right. There’s no shortage of experienced quarterbacks looking for a new home, and Tennessee could be an attractive destination for the right fit.
So when Auburn and Tennessee meet in Knoxville in 2026, it won’t just be another SEC showdown. It’ll be a game full of familiar faces, new quarterbacks, and plenty of storylines. And depending on how both teams navigate the portal, it could be a pivotal matchup in the early stretch of the SEC season.