When Auburn Tigers took the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2025, they did so with a quarterback decision that sent ripples through college football’s offseason planning. True freshman Deuce Knight started under center, while senior Ashton Daniels sat out—his redshirt preserved for a future season. The move wasn’t just about protecting a veteran. It was a calculated gamble by interim head coach DJ Durkin to evaluate talent before the Iron Bowl Alabama looms large. And the opponent? A Mercer Bears offense that’s been scoring like a Power Five team—just without the roster depth to match.
Why This Matters More Than the Score
Auburn’s 17-13 overtime loss to Vanderbilt on November 9, 2025, wasn’t just a defeat. It was the catalyst. Head coach Hugh Freeze resigned days later, thrusting defensive coordinator Durkin into the spotlight. With the season’s final two games on the line—Mercer, then Alabama—Durkin didn’t just need a win. He needed data. Who can lead this team in 2026? Knight, a 6’1”, 205-pound recruit from Georgia with a cannon arm and quick feet? Or Jackson Arnold, the junior transfer who started early in the season before Daniels took over? The answer, Durkin said, was to give both a shot."It’s not about who’s better today," Durkin told reporters on November 19. "It’s about who can carry this program forward. And we’re going to find out on the field."
The Mercer Menace
Don’t let Mercer’s FCS status fool you. The Mercer Bears are no tune-up. They’re 9-2, winners of nine straight, and they’ve scored 41 points per game—best in the FCS. Their freshman QB, Braden Atkinson, averages 359.78 passing yards per game. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in eight of nine games. His favorite target? Wide receiver Jalen Williams, who’s caught 14 touchdowns this season. Mercer leads the nation in total offense (417 yards/game) and pass offense (337 yards/game). They’re not just good—they’re dangerous."They’re not just throwing the ball," Durkin said. "They’re throwing it with purpose. Atkinson doesn’t panic. He’s got poise beyond his years."
The Depth Chart Breakdown
The official depth chart, released by Auburn and cross-referenced with Ourlads.com and CFB Update, shows the full picture:- QB: Deuce Knight (FR, #9) – starter | Jackson Arnold (JR/TR, #11) – backup | Ashton Daniels (SR/TR, #12) – inactive (redshirt preserved)
- WR: Cam Coleman (SO, #8) – WR-X | Perry Thompson (SO, #3) – WR-Z | Eric Singleton Jr. (JR/TR, #1) – WR-H
- OL: Xavier Chaplin (RS JR/TR, #65) – LT | Keyon Williams (RS JR, #71) – RG
- RB: Jeremiah Cobb (JR, #23) – starter
- DL: Malik Blocton (SO, #47) – DT | Jalen Williams (JR, #52) – DE
- LB: Robert Woodyard Jr. (RS JR, #0) – MLB
- DB: Kayin Lee (JR, #4) – LC | Jalen Johnson (SO, #21) – FS
Offensive coordinator Derrick Nix has installed a hybrid system—mixing zone-read, play-action, and quick slants to stretch Mercer’s secondary. The goal? Control tempo, limit Atkinson’s opportunities, and let Knight’s arm create big plays.
What Analysts Are Saying
Flywareagle.com’s Jack Cottrell predicted an Auburn win of 35-14, citing the Tigers’ depth on defense and Mercer’s inability to stop the run. "Mercer’s offense is flashy, but they’ve never faced a front seven that can generate pressure from all angles," he wrote. Auburn’s defensive line, led by Blocton and Williams, has recorded 21 sacks this season—second in the SEC.The Auburn Sports crew on YouTube, in their "Friday Forecast" breakdown, argued that if Knight sticks to the game plan—quick reads, short passes, letting Cobb run—he could post 300+ yards. "They don’t need to win by 40," the analyst said. "They just need to win by enough to prove Knight can handle the pressure."
The Bigger Picture: Beyond Mercer
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about legacy. Daniels, a two-year starter, has been the face of Auburn’s offense since 2023. But injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of big-game production have left questions. Knight, a three-star recruit, was never supposed to start this early. But after Daniels’ performance against Vanderbilt—three interceptions, a fumble, and a 58% completion rate—Durkin made the call."We’re not giving up on Ashton," Durkin insisted. "But we’re also not ignoring what’s in front of us."
The Iron Bowl on November 30 will be the true test. If Knight leads Auburn to a win over Mercer, he’ll be the favorite to start in 2026. If he struggles, Arnold may get the nod. Either way, Auburn’s quarterback future is now in motion.
What’s Next?
The Tigers have one week to prepare for Alabama. The Crimson Tide’s defense, which ranks fourth nationally in tackles for loss, will be the ultimate barometer for Knight’s readiness. Meanwhile, Mercer’s season ends after this game, but their coach, Bobby Wallace, has already signaled that Atkinson will return in 2026—and that his team plans to compete for an FCS national title.For Auburn, the stakes are higher. They’re not just playing for pride. They’re playing for direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why preserve Ashton Daniels’ redshirt if he’s not playing in the final two games?
Even though Auburn’s season ends after Alabama, preserving Daniels’ redshirt keeps his eligibility intact for a potential sixth year under NCAA transfer rules. If he transfers in 2026, he could play immediately elsewhere without sitting out. It also protects his NFL draft stock—teams value players who haven’t burned multiple seasons of eligibility.
How does Deuce Knight compare to other freshman QBs in the SEC?
Knight’s arm strength and mobility put him in the same conversation as LSU’s Jayden Daniels (no relation) and Georgia’s Carson Beck in 2024. But unlike them, Knight has no starting experience. His accuracy in practice has improved from 62% to 74% since October, and he’s thrown only one interception in 117 attempts this season. If he can avoid turnovers against Alabama, he’ll be the most intriguing QB prospect in the SEC’s 2026 class.
What’s Mercer’s biggest weakness against Auburn’s defense?
Mercer’s offensive line has allowed 28 sacks this season—second-worst in the FCS. Auburn’s defensive ends, Jalen Williams and Malik Blocton, combined for 11 sacks and 22 pressures in the last four games. If Auburn’s front seven can collapse the pocket early, Atkinson won’t have time to find his receivers downfield. The Bears’ passing game thrives on rhythm—break that, and you break them.
Could this quarterback decision affect recruiting?
Absolutely. Auburn’s 2026 QB recruiting class includes two four-star prospects. If Knight plays well, he’ll become a model for what the program values: athleticism, poise, and adaptability. If he struggles, it could signal a shift toward more polished, traditional pocket passers. Either way, this game will shape how top recruits view Auburn’s quarterback development philosophy.
Is this the end of the line for DJ Durkin as head coach?
Not necessarily. Durkin’s interim tag doesn’t mean he’s not in the running for the permanent job. If he leads Auburn to a win over Alabama and shows a clear offensive identity with Knight or Arnold, he could be the frontrunner. His defensive pedigree is strong, and his ability to stabilize the program after Freeze’s abrupt exit has earned him respect. But Auburn’s administration will want a long-term vision—and a plan beyond 2026.
What’s the historical significance of an FCS team playing a ranked SEC team this late in the season?
It’s rare. The last time an FCS team played an SEC team in Week 13 was in 2019, when South Dakota State faced LSU. Those games are usually scheduled early in the season for financial reasons. Auburn playing Mercer this late suggests a unique scheduling quirk—likely tied to the coaching change and the need to fill the calendar. But it also gives Mercer national exposure and Auburn a chance to prove their depth isn’t just theoretical.
