In their latest statement win in the recruiting competition, Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers drafted Deuce Knight, the fifth-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2025, out of Notre Dame.

Knight, who committed to the Fighting Irish last September, announced his commitment to the Tigers on Wednesday.

By securing Knight’s commitment, Auburn beat out not only Notre Dame, but other contenders as the No. 2 seed in Mississippi State.

While Knight has received offers from more than 20 programs, Auburn, Notre Dame and Ole Miss felt like the three to keep an eye on.

A graduate of George County High School in Lucedale, Mississippi, Knight is the second-best 2025 prospect in the state of Mississippi and the fifth-ranked quarterback in the country.

The left-handed signal-caller measures 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 200 pounds and is considered a true dual-threat quarterback prospect.

In 2023, Knight began his high school season at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, where he played three games before transferring back to George County.

Back at George County, Knight finished his junior season playing in 10 games, rushing for 2,047 yards, 17 touchdowns and two interceptions on 141-for-265 passing. On the ground, Knight added another 500 yards and 11 touchdowns on 99 carries.

Knight’s stats were largely the same during his sophomore season, as he managed 1,929 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions on 61% passing while also adding 488 yards and 12 touchdowns with his legs.

Andrew Ivins, director of scouting at 247Sports, writes that Knight has “plenty of whip and speed” on shorter release throws while also having the arm strength to “attack the deeper third.”

Ivins added that Knight will look to extend plays, but has also proven to be a quarterback who can stand his ground and take a hit.

Knight “should be viewed as a potential lottery ticket in the 2025 cycle with a monster payout,” Ivins writes of Auburn’s latest commitment.

Should Knight fulfill his commitment and sign with the Tigers, he will become Freeze’s second quarterback, and his coaching staff has successfully recruited to Auburn, joining former Four State player Walker White, who signed last December.

According to 247Sports, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class ranks Knight third in the country.