
Former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold faced an icy reception as he returned to Norman, Oklahoma, with his new team, Auburn. As Arnold took the field, Oklahoma students greeted him with a torrent of NSFW chants, showcasing the lingering feelings after his off-season transfer. Arnold's move to Auburn added fuel to the fire for this heated SEC matchup between two top-ranked teams.
The students’ chants reportedly echoed, "F** you Arnold," setting the stage for a game charged with intensity and emotion. Auburn's visit not only rekindled vibes of a rivalry but also spotlighted Arnold's evolution since leaving the Sooners.
This season, Arnold has been a standout player for Auburn, racking up 501 passing yards, four touchdowns, and maintaining a stellar 69.6% completion rate. On the ground, he’s equally formidable, amassing 192 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, bringing his total to eight touchdowns in just three games.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit praised Arnold’s performance in a recent SportsCenter appearance, attributing his success to the influence of Auburn's coach, Hugh Freeze. "Hugh Freeze has kind of rebuilt him," said Herbstreit. "Now Arnold is playing within the offense’s structure, and his QBR reflects his improved gameplay."
“Jackson Arnold's return to Norman is a compelling storyline this season,” Herbstreit commented. "It’s evident he regained confidence through Auburn’s dynamic offense."
Adding another layer of intrigue, ESPN's Jordan Rodgers dubbed Arnold's latest season as the start of his "revenge tour." Speaking before the game, Rodgers said, "I'm anxious to see Jackson Arnold in action. Oklahoma fans hold mixed feelings about him, which is understandable given past criticisms."
While Arnold did face notable criticism at Oklahoma, Rodgers emphasized that much of it stemmed from factors beyond his control. Regardless, Arnold's ability to silence critics with his performance only adds to the drama surrounding his return to Norman.
The tension culminates as Oklahoma and Auburn square off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, with a live broadcast on ABC. Fans and analysts alike are poised to see how this chapter unfolds in Arnold's evolving journey.