Mississippi State, not Auburn football, is the favorite to land Jackson Arnold, at least according to On SI's Brian Smith. Arnold's close relationship with Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby in Norman was cited as the potential pull to Starkville as the Tigers host the Oklahoma transfer QB.
"Because of the prior relationship, and now former Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren being in the Transfer Portal, Mississippi State is heavily involved with Arnold and could be the frontrunner. That's another reason Arnold's visit to the Plains is vital if the Tigers are to sign him," Smith wrote.
Arnold hit the portal after Ben Arbuckle was brought on from Wazzu, but it may have been irrelevant. Arnold was benched during the season when Seth Littrell was in charge and may not have received the promised playing time.
Right after the Week 5 clash between Oklahoma and Auburn, one the Sooners came back to win 27-21 at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Saturday Blitz's Sam Fariss predicted there'd be interest between the Tigers and Arnold. Michael Hawkins Jr. took over that game and was the starter until October 19. Even when Arnold returned, he only had one 200-yard passing performance against an FBS team.
Whoever Hugh Freeze brings in will have a one-year timetable before Deuce Knight is expected to take over the job. There's a clear-cut path to be the long-term starter for Mississippi State under Lebby. The same opportunity might not be there on the Plains.
AU may be better off with a veteran option on his last year of eligibility instead, but Arnold is still a worthy competitor in any QB competition.