Assessing whether Auburn football should pursue QB Miller Moss in the transfer portal
Quarterback Miller Moss from USC has entered his name into the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Auburn football is looking to bring on a transfer QB this offseason.
This begs the obvious question: Should Auburn pursue Miller Moss?
Let’s look at Moss as a player...
In 4 seasons at USC, Moss totaled 27 passing touchdowns to 10 interceptions, 3,469 yards, and a 65.9% completion percentage. He also had 4 rushing touchdowns in his Trojan career.
Moss started this past season on fire with a huge performance in the first game of the season against LSU.
USC Quarterback Miller Moss vs. (13) LSU
• 27/36 (75%)
• 378 Pass Yards
• 1 TD
• 0 INTs
After week one, FanDuel had Miller Moss at the 9th-best odds to win the Heisman at +2200. Over the next four games, the Trojans got off to a 4-1 start, and Moss sat 11th in Heisman odds. But the next five games saw USC fall apart as they went 1-4 over that stretch. This led to the benching of Miller Moss in favor of the younger Jayden Maiava. Moss finished the year with 18 passing TDs, 9 INTs, and 2,555 yards.
Should Auburn football pursue Miller Moss?
My answer would be yes. He’s not a mobile quarterback, but he’s an accurate QB with a quick release and is a good decision-maker. It’s worth noting that I don’t think his USC benching was because of a lack of talent. I believe it was to start playing toward the future in a disappointing year.
Not to say Lincoln Riley scapegoated Moss, but it does feel slightly like scapegoating. He would be a definite upgrade over what is currently in the room and would likely be the first QB out of Auburn to make the NFL since Jarrett Stidham (as Bo Nix transferred to Oregon).
Auburn will likely look for more mobile candidates first, with their pass protection being a potential concern, but kicking the tires on Moss is worth doing.
Next Pro Scouting on Miller Moss
Overview:
Miller Moss, a six-foot-two, 200-pound quarterback for USC, is a poised and accurate passer with a strong command of the game. Known for his football IQ and precision, Moss has demonstrated maturity and patience in the pocket, showing potential to develop into a reliable quarterback at the next level. He has taken advantage of his opportunities, proving he can execute the offense effectively and make smart decisions under pressure.
Passing Ability:
Moss has a smooth, compact throwing motion and shows good accuracy, particularly on short-to-intermediate throws. His arm strength is solid, though not elite, but he compensates with excellent timing and anticipation, allowing him to deliver the ball accurately before defenders can react. He’s effective in timing-based throws and excels at placing the ball where only his receiver can make the play. Moss is also comfortable in play-action and RPO scenarios, making him a versatile fit in modern offenses.
Mobility and Pocket Presence:
While not a dual-threat quarterback, Moss possesses enough mobility to move within the pocket and evade pressure when needed. His pocket awareness is one of his standout traits; he maintains composure under pressure, keeping his eyes downfield and adjusting his positioning to buy time. He’s not likely to pick up yards with his legs on designed runs, but he’s capable of extending plays and throwing accurately on the move. Moss’s decision-making in the pocket and his footwork make him a dependable option in high-pressure situations.
Athleticism and Versatility:
Moss may not have elite athleticism, but his mechanics and football IQ make him a versatile player who can execute various offensive schemes. His strong understanding of the game allows him to make quick reads and efficient decisions, making him well-suited for pro-style offenses that prioritize accuracy and timing. While his physical tools are not at the top end of the scale, his consistency and ability to make pre-snap reads give him an edge.
Player Comparison:
Taylor Heinicke
Bottom Line:
Moss is a smart, accurate quarterback with a strong sense of timing and anticipation. While he may not have the elite arm strength or athleticism of other quarterbacks, his football IQ, mechanics, and pocket awareness make him a reliable game manager with the potential to develop into a starter in the NFL.
Moss's ability to read defenses and execute a pro-style offense should make him a solid depth option at the next level, especially for teams that value accuracy and decision-making over raw athleticism.