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How Ashton Daniels is Handling Auburn's QB Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 17:45 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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How Ashton Daniels Is Steering Auburn’s QB Turbulence

In the wake of a quarterback shuffle that has rattled the Auburn football program, Sports Illustrated’s latest feature turns the spotlight on sophomore quarterback Ashton Daniels. The piece, titled “How Ashton Daniels Is Handling Auburn’s QB Competition,” dives into the young player’s mindset, the depth of talent on the roster, and the coaching staff’s approach to unlocking the next leader of the Tigers’ offense.

The Landscape of Auburn’s QB Race

Auburn’s quarterback room is no longer the one‑player‑dominant environment that fans once enjoyed. The 2024 recruiting class and the existing roster now give the Tigers four legitimate options to step up: Ashton Daniels, Jayden Daniels, Zach Davies, and rookie transfer Hugo Sosa. The article notes that each of the four has a distinct profile.

• Zach Davies – The 2022 starter, Davies finished the season with 3,030 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a 64.6 % completion rate. His experience as a first‑year starter in the SEC’s toughest conference gave him a taste of elite competition, but his tenure at Auburn is limited to one full season.
• Jayden Daniels – A Texas native who committed to Auburn in 2021, Jayden made his first appearance in the 2022 season after a knee injury forced Desmond King into the starting role. He completed 65 % of his passes in 12 games, totaling 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing a solid arm and a growing ability to read defenses.
• Hugo Sosa – A 4‑star recruit from Florida, Sosa entered Auburn as a highly‑touted dual‑threat quarterback. Standing at 6‑4 and weighing 210 pounds, the former Florida high‑school star brings a powerful arm and a proven track record of improvisation.
• Ashton Daniels – The most talked‑about player in the article, Daniels came into Auburn as a freshman backup to Desmond King in 2022. Despite limited game action, he practiced with the varsity squad and showcased a disciplined work ethic. He now steps into the mix with both confidence and humility.

The piece underscores how the depth chart is fluid, with coaches promising a “fair evaluation” of each player during spring practice and the first weeks of the regular season.

Daniels’ Perspective

Daniels is quoted throughout the article as the quintessential “quiet leader.” He says, “I’ve seen what it’s like to be in the back‑of‑the‑shelve. I know how to support my teammates, and that’s the first thing I want to do.” He emphasizes that his role has always been about building chemistry: “When you’re the backup, you’re there to help the starter, to give you that extra arm, and that’s what I love about it.”

The article delves into Daniels’ daily routine: early‑morning workouts focusing on arm strength and footwork, late‑night film sessions to dissect opponents’ defensive schemes, and a strict study regimen that keeps him academically eligible. “I’m not just trying to be the best quarterback on the field,” Daniels says, “I want to be the best teammate and the best student on the team.”

Coaching Insight

Head coach Bryan Harsin is highlighted for his open‑minded approach to quarterback evaluation. In the interview, Harsin says, “We’re looking for a quarterback who can adapt to our offensive philosophy— a system that blends the power run game with a high‑tempo passing attack.” Harsin also credits the offensive line’s recent improvements for creating a safer environment where any quarterback can flourish.

The article further mentions the involvement of the Tigers’ offensive coordinator, who has a reputation for developing young quarterbacks. He notes that the coaching staff has implemented a “rotational approach” in the final weeks of spring practice, giving each player time in the red‑shirt offense to showcase their abilities in realistic game‑like situations.

Historical Context

Sports Illustrated’s feature provides a quick look back at Auburn’s storied quarterback legacy. The article references former Auburn stars like Cam Newton, who led the team to a national title in 2010, and the more recent tenure of Desmond King, who transferred from LSU in 2021 and finished the 2022 season with 1,800 yards and 11 touchdowns. The piece argues that the current competition is part of a long tradition of Auburn cultivating quarterback talent that can perform at the highest level.

What’s Next?

The article ends by framing the upcoming weeks as a pivotal period for Auburn’s future. Daniels, with his supportive background, will face a challenging schedule against both conference and non‑conference opponents that will test the depth of the Tigers’ quarterback room. The article advises fans to keep an eye on the first two weeks of the season’s scrimmages, where the coaches will announce the starting lineup.

In the world of college football, a quarterback’s trajectory is rarely linear. Yet the feature paints a clear picture: Ashton Daniels is not merely waiting for an opportunity; he is actively shaping it through dedication, humility, and an unwavering commitment to team success. Whether he will be the one to lead Auburn to the next playoff, or if another contender will emerge, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the QB competition has never been more intense, and the stakes have never been higher.