The transfer portal has officially opened and Auburn is working quickly to address several key needs ahead of the 2025 season.

Quarterbacks Hank Brown and Holden Geriner have entered the transfer portal, and Auburn is linked to several experienced backups such as USC’s Miller Moss And Jackson Arnold of Oklahoma. However, a report from On3’s Steve Wiltfong indicates that Hugh Freeze and a former Stanford quarterback are showing mutual interest.

According to Wiltfong, Auburn attracted the attention of former Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels. So much so that Wiltfong submitted a prediction in favor of Auburn to sign it.

In a recent interview with On3, Daniels told Wiltfong that several schools have contacted him, but Auburn is getting his attention the most. Daniels feels he can quickly step in and make a difference in the Tigers’ offense.

“I like what coach (Hugh) Freeze is doing with the culture and I think I can come in and be a spark for the kids and move them forward,” Daniels said.

How does Daniels fit in with Auburn?

Daniels has been a solid dual-threat quarterback for the Cardinal in three seasons. He completed 60.8% of his passes for 3,986 yards and 21 touchdowns with 1,121 rushing yards and nine additional scores. In 2024, he threw for 1,700 yards and 10 scores while rushing for a career-high 669 yards.

His downside is his tendency to turn the ball over. He has thrown 12 interceptions in 2024, one more than his touchdown total, and 20 picks over the past three seasons. According to Focus on professional footballDaniels has thrown 16 “turnover-worthy” passes in 2024, 12 have been intercepted.

However, most of his turnover issues could be linked to Stanford’s poor pass blocking. In 330 dropbacks, Davis had 125 pressures, resulting in 40 scrums and 20 sacks. Stanford’s pass blocking averaged a 62.1 grade this season according to PFF, and a grade above 80.0 only three times.

Could a change of scenery and an improved offensive line boost Davis’ playing ability?

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This article was originally published on Auburn Wire: Auburn becomes favorite to recruit former Stanford QB Ashton Daniels