Auburn’s Backup Quarterback Battle: Freeze Nears Decision

As Auburn football gears up for its season opener against Alabama A&M on August 31, the decision on who will back up starting quarterback Payton Thorne is becoming increasingly crucial.

When asked about the significance of naming a backup quarterback soon, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze emphasized its importance.

"Big," Freeze succinctly responded.

“They need those reps, and you’ve got to settle in on who’s getting the majority of those,” Freeze added, underlining the necessity for clear pecking order behind Thorne.

With Thorne firmly established as the starter, the competition for the QB2 spot is heating up. Redshirt sophomore Holden Geriner, redshirt freshman Hank Brown, and true freshman Walker White are all vying for the position.

Although Freeze has not yet communicated his decision to the quarterbacks, he hinted that the coaching staff has a good idea of the direction they are headed.

“I haven’t told the quarterbacks yet, so I won’t say, but I kind of know in my mind where we’re headed next week, but I’d rather tell them before I say it,” Freeze said on Friday. “I was going to get through tomorrow, but I feel like I know where we’re headed with the reps.”

During Auburn’s first fall camp scrimmage on August 10, the order of play saw Thorne leading, followed by Geriner, White, and then Brown. White, despite showing initial nerves with some overthrows, settled into his role. Both Geriner and Brown demonstrated promise by throwing touchdown passes.

Given the performance during the scrimmage, it is anticipated that either Geriner or Brown will be named the backup. However, Auburn quarterbacks coach Kent Austin recently indicated that the competition between the two remains tight.

“Right now they’re probably on the same level,” Austin mentioned on August 8. “If you were to hold a gun to my head and made me choose one of the two categories, you know, I’d say they’re probably at the same spot.”

Brown showed more efficiency last season, completing 7-of-9 passes for 132 yards in the Music City Bowl. Geriner, though having more game experience, completed 5-of-15 passes for 75 yards with an interception.

Despite the close competition, Freeze assured that he, Austin, and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix are aligned in their thinking.

“I’ll let you guys know next week, for sure, but I’d like to tell them first,” Freeze said. “But I do think we’re all on the same page, Nix, I, and Kent on kind of who is going to get the majority of the second reps.”