Former Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight has officially committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) following his entry into the NCAA transfer portal. This decision positions Knight to face his former team, the Auburn Tigers, during a highly anticipated matchup on October 31, 2024, in Oxford.
Knight’s transition to Ole Miss comes on the heels of significant changes within the Rebels’ quarterback lineup. Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who led Ole Miss to a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance this season, was denied an eligibility waiver by the NCAA, ending his collegiate career. Additionally, backup quarterback Austin Simmons has entered the transfer portal and committed to Missouri. These developments have left Ole Miss in need of immediate depth at the quarterback position, creating an opportunity for Knight.
During his single season at Auburn, Knight participated in two games, demonstrating his potential during a historic performance against Mercer in Week 13. In that game, he recorded 239 passing yards and 162 rushing yards, accumulating a total of 401 yards of Auburn’s 547 total yards of offense. His six touchdowns—four rushing and two passing—tied the record for the most touchdowns by an Auburn quarterback in a game. Knight also became the first Auburn quarterback since Nick Marshall in 2013 to rush for over 150 yards in a game.
Rumors circulated on social media suggesting Knight might return to Auburn, but those were quickly dispelled with his commitment to Ole Miss. His decision to transfer is likely influenced by the prospect of immediate playing time in a program that is currently rebuilding its quarterback depth.
While Auburn fans may feel the loss of such a promising player, the Tigers have secured a strong addition to their roster. Former University of South Florida (USF) quarterback Byrum Brown has committed to Auburn, bolstering the team’s quarterback situation. In the 2025 season, Brown led all FBS quarterbacks with 42 total touchdowns and averaged 347.2 yards of offense per game. He is among only 12 FBS quarterbacks to achieve both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Auburn has also added redshirt freshman Locklan Hewlett through the transfer portal and secured a commitment from former USF recruit Rhys Brush. These additions indicate that despite Knight’s departure, Auburn maintains a rich pool of young talent in the quarterback room. The Tigers are likely to pursue another quarterback in the transfer portal to serve as a backup for the upcoming season.
As both Auburn and Ole Miss prepare for their upcoming clash, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Knight, who has the chance to showcase his skills against a program he once called home. The dynamics surrounding this matchup add an intriguing layer to the upcoming college football season.
