Daniels Leads Auburn to Victory as Freeze Shuffles QBs

Auburn achieved a crucial victory in Southeastern Conference play, defeating Arkansas 33-24 on October 25, 2025. This win marked Auburn’s first SEC win of the season, improving their record to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in the conference.

Key Moments in the Game

Rayshawn Pleasant delivered a pivotal play with a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown, securing the game for Auburn with 9:15 remaining. His score came at a critical juncture following a challenging first half for the Tigers.

Quarterback Changes Spark Turnaround

Auburn made a significant change by inserting Ashton Daniels at quarterback late in the second quarter. Starter Jackson Arnold was benched after an interception, which Arkansas’ Kani Walker returned 89 yards for a touchdown, giving the Razorbacks a 21-10 lead at halftime. Daniels responded with efficiency, completing 6 of 8 passes for 77 yards in his time on the field.

Scoring Drives and Defense

• Daniels led Auburn on three consecutive scoring drives, each resulting in field goals, narrowing Arkansas’ lead to 24-19.
• Auburn improved its time of possession by over 13 minutes, limiting Arkansas’s chances for a comeback.

The Razorbacks struggled offensively during the second half, committing turnovers on three consecutive possessions after Pleasant’s touchdown. This included a fumble by O’Mega Blake at the Auburn 44, which led to another field goal by Alex McPherson, making it his fourth of the game.

Auburn’s Ground Game and Final Drives

Jeremiah Cobb led Auburn’s rushing attack with 153 yards on 28 carries, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Daniels played an essential role in orchestrating drives and maintaining offensive momentum, which included converting a critical fourth-and-1 at Arkansas’ 27-yard line late in the game. McPherson capped the drive with a 37-yard field goal.

Arkansas’ Offensive Struggles

Despite entering the game as one of the top offenses in the nation, Arkansas was limited to 331 total yards, significantly below their season average of 514 yards per game.

Aftermath of the Game

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze expressed relief over the win, highlighting the resilience of his players despite recent losses. The Tigers’ record stands at 15-18 and 6-15 in SEC play during Freeze’s tenure.

The performance of both teams sets the stage for an intriguing remainder of the season as they look to build on this game. Auburn’s ability to rely on both its defense and a productive offense will be crucial in the weeks ahead.