Auburn football: Bryan Harsin breaks down QB1 decision timeline

Ever since former starter Bo Nix transferred out of the Auburn football program at the end of last season, every Tiger fan has been anxiously waiting for the official decision about who will be QB1 in head coach Bryan Harsin’s second season on the Plains.

Things got interested when Harsin and his staff brought in two QB transfers in Zach Calzada and Robby Ashford, and since the spring those two have been competing with returner TJ Finley. The coaching staff have held their cards pretty close to their chests throughout the competition, but with less than a month before the season opener, decisions will have to be made soon.

After the Tigers’ first scrimmage of fall camp last Friday, TJ Finley earned the most praise for his performance. However, all three QB1 contenders did good things and are making their cases for being named the starter. According to Bryan Harsin, the team will scrimmage again before any decisions are made, per Auburn Live:

"“We’re a ways away from where we need to be,” said Harsin. “Friday will be our next scrimmage, so what do we do to get ready for that. No decisions will be made right now. We’ll watch the film, tomorrow (Sunday) we’ll correct — Monday will give us a chance to evaluate and look at where we are.”"

Harsin went on to say that following next Friday’s scrimmage the coaching staff will decide on the two-deep and the scout teams, and then turn their focus to Auburn football’s first opponent of 2022, Mercer.

Of the qualities that Harsin is looking for in his starting quarterback, the standout trait is leadership mid-game. He talked about having a mastery of the system, knowing where everyone is supposed to be lined up and having the ability to correct that. So far, Finley seems to be the most impressive, but don’t count out Ashford and Calzada.