Blue Chip QB Expected to Flip Commitment From Notre Dame to Rising SEC Program

AUBURN — When Hugh Freeze took over coaching duties from Houston Nutt at Ole Miss following the 2011 season it didn’t take long for him to overhaul the roster.

The Rebels quickly became players on the national recruiting scene within a couple of year after signing more 5-stars in one class than at anytime in Rebels football history.

Freeze signed Robert Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil, Lavon Hooks, Tony Conner and Laquon Treadwell as a group of five prospects ready to change the Ole Miss football. It appears he is attempting to do that and more at Auburn if he can land 4-star Lucedale, Mississippi quarterback Duece Knight.

Knight is the No. 34 prospect nationally, No. 5 passer and No. 2 player in Mississippi, per 247sports. He verbally committed to Notre Dame in September 2023 but the lefty’s recruitment appears to be turning back south towards Auburn. 

He has a solid frame at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds and has run a laser timed 4.5 second 40-yard dash. His athleticism is perfect for a Freeze-type of offense with his speed, vertical leaping ability and short area burst. While he can deliver on the run, Knight doesn’t mind staying in the pocket while going through progressions. 

Knight connected on 141-of-265 passes for 2,047 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions as a junior with George County High School. He tacked on another 494 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. 

The Tigers have surged up the 247sports recruiting rankings this summer with several marquee commitments from 5 and 4-star prospects. That includes 5-star defensive end Jared Smith who announced his pledge to the Tigers Aug. 3. 

Since the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban, Auburn has dominated in-state recruiting at least for 2025 as they hold commitments from eight of the top-10 prospects. The other two players (Na’eem Offord and Zion Grady) in the state’s top ten are currently committed to Ohio State.