Auburn Tigers quarterback Deuce Knight, a former five-star recruit, is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Knight's decision comes after a season of transition for the team, marked by a coaching change and a challenging performance record.
During his true freshman year, Knight showcased his potential with 259 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 13 carries for 178 yards and four additional scores. His most notable performance came in the Nov. 22 game against Mercer, where he completed 15-20 passes for 239 yards and ran for 162 yards, accounting for six total touchdowns. The team's eventual 62-17 victory was fueled by several big plays, including a 75-yard rushing score and a 91-yard touchdown pass.
However, the season took a turn when Auburn fired head coach Hugh Freeze midway through, replacing him with Alex Golesh. Knight's commitment to the previous coaching staff and his personal relationship with Freeze may have influenced his decision to transfer. The team finished the season with a 5-7 record, including a 1-7 mark against SEC opponents.
Before college, Knight was ranked as the No. 25 player and No. 5 overall quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. He was the top-ranked player from the state of Mississippi. Once the NCAA transfer portal opens on January 2, players can officially enter their names and initiate contact with their preferred schools. The portal will be open for 15 days, closing on January 16.
It's worth noting that players on teams competing in the national championship game have an extended deadline of January 24 to make their portal decision, as the College Football Playoff championship game is scheduled for January 19. For the latest updates on player movements, On3's Transfer Portalwire, the Transfer Portal Instagram account, and the Transfer Portal Twitter account are invaluable resources.
