In a word, Bo Nix’s return to the Auburn football program means everything.
The Tigers faced a situation where their three-year starter, a 5-star in-state dual-threat legacy QB, was weighing all his options…and his departure seemed like a very real and frightening possibility.
Now, news has trickled down that Nix, who was on pace for a career year and injured his ankle during the finest passing effort of his entire career November 13th against Mississippi State, is returning to the team he was always destined to lead.
The E2C Network broke the news on Twitter:
HE AIN’T DONE YET | Bo Nix is officially returning to Auburn for another year. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/yaV3FejJY8
— E2C Network: The Auburn Experience (@E2C_Network) December 4, 2021
It cannot be overstated how important Nix is to the program moving forward. While TJ Finley stepped in admirably, particularly in going toe to toe with Alabama QB Bryce Young during the Iron Bowl with an injured ankle himself, the expectations with Nix under center are considerably higher than any other option.
Even Holden Geriner, an incoming freshman from the Class of 2022 that is leading Benedictine High School through the Class 4A Georgia State playoffs, wouldn’t provide the same ceiling as the man who led the Tigers to victories over LSU, Arkansas, and Ole Miss en route to a 6-2 start.
Auburn football is now in a better spot in 2022 with Bo Nix back
Nix could exercise his extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have two years remaining on the Tigers. More than likely, he will be looking to make the NFL after his next go-round, though, and the next OC hire should have this in mind when coming aboard.
This is an undoubtedly an early offseason victory for Auburn, who needs to keep it going in the transfer portal and in filling out the Class of 2022 and Class of 2023 next.