2025 Quarterback Deuce Knight Flips Commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn
In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, Deuce Knight, the highly touted 2025 quarterback, announced his decision to flip his commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn. The news comes after months of speculation surrounding Knight’s recruitment, as the talented signal-caller had been closely followed by several top programs across the country.
Knight, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound quarterback from Lucedale, Mississippi, has long been regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his elite arm strength, exceptional athleticism, and ability to make plays on the run, Knight has been a standout at George County High School. His dual-threat capabilities and football IQ have drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in recent college football history.
Deuce Knight initially committed to Notre Dame in September 2024, citing the programโs storied history, strong academics, and quarterback-friendly offensive scheme under head coach Marcus Freeman. However, his recruitment remained far from over, as Auburn, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, continued to make a strong push to sway the dynamic quarterback.
Reports indicate that Knightโs relationship with Freeze and Auburn offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery played a pivotal role in his decision to flip. The Tigers presented a compelling vision for his development and the future of their program, particularly under Freezeโs offensive philosophy, which emphasizes creativity and maximizing the potential of quarterbacks.
Knight took an unofficial visit to Auburn in late December 2024, where he reportedly bonded with the coaching staff and felt a strong connection to the university’s culture. During his visit, he also had the opportunity to meet with current players and incoming recruits, further solidifying his belief in Auburn as the right fit for him.
In a statement released on his social media platforms, Knight expressed gratitude to Notre Dame while explaining his decision to join Auburn:
“First and foremost, I want to thank Coach Freeman, Coach Gino Guidugli, and the entire Notre Dame family for believing in me and supporting me throughout this process. Notre Dame is an incredible program, and this decision was not an easy one.
After a lot of prayer and conversations with my family, Iโve decided to decommit from Notre Dame and commit to Auburn University. Auburn feels like home, and Iโm excited about the opportunity to grow under Coach Freeze and Coach Montgomery. War Eagle!”
Landing Deuce Knight is a monumental win for Auburnโs 2025 recruiting class. Knightโs commitment elevates the Tigersโ class to national prominence and sends a clear message that Auburn is serious about competing with the top programs in the SEC and beyond.
Under Hugh Freeze, Auburn has shown a renewed emphasis on recruiting elite quarterbacks, and Knightโs decision reflects the programโs growing appeal to top-tier talent. His skill set is tailor-made for Freezeโs offense, which thrives on versatility, quick decision-making, and explosive playmaking.
Knight is expected to immediately compete for the starting role once he arrives on campus, and his presence could also have a ripple effect on Auburnโs ability to attract other elite recruits in the 2025 class.
For Notre Dame, Knightโs decommitment is a significant loss, as he was expected to be the cornerstone of their 2025 class. The Fighting Irish will now need to pivot to other quarterback options, though the pool of elite 2025 signal-callers is limited.
Despite the setback, Notre Dame remains a strong recruiting force, and Freemanโs staff will undoubtedly work to ensure the program doesnโt miss a beat moving forward. However, replacing a talent like Knight is no small task.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Deuce Knight as he begins preparing for his future at Auburn. His decision underscores the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting, where relationships, fit, and program trajectory often outweigh initial commitments.
Auburn fans have every reason to be excited about the future, as Knight represents a cornerstone for the programโs resurgence. For Deuce Knight, the journey is just beginning, and his arrival on the Plains could mark the start of something special for Auburn football.