The Auburn Corner: Tigers Need to Give Young QB Reps Over Final Three Games

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Two Auburn Tigers flags cross in the end zone after a touchdown during the TransPerfect Music City Bowl between the Auburn Tigers and Maryland Terrapins, December 30, 2023 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire)

(Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire)

The Auburn Tigers are headed into the final stretch of what has obviously been a long and painful season on The Plains, sitting at 3-6 and needing to win each of their final three games in order to secure bowl eligibility.

While, in theory, this weekend’s matchup against Louisiana-Monroe should be an easy victory, the two years of the Hugh Freeze era have proven that there’s no such thing right now. Nonetheless, Freeze said not so subtly this week that there may be a quarterback change as the team ‘looks at the big picture’, and while Payton Thorne has been better as of late — admittedly a very low bar — he will almost certainly not be the team’s quarterback in 2025.

Looking at the depth chart, we’ve seen Hank Brown as well and he didn’t prove to be any more impressive, nor has Holden Geriner in his limited action during his Auburn career either.

That leaves one name, and it really shouldn’t even be much of a question. True freshman Walker White is allowed to play in a maximum of four games this regular season without burning his redshirt, and with just three remaining, it’s time to get a look at the guy who could be the future of the program.

While White has likely not played because he isn’t ready, at this point what do you have to lose? If White comes in and is dreadful, at least you know the need for a quarterback in the portal this offseason is as high as ever and White will need more time to develop. If he shows flashes of talent, you could potentially have your answer for next season.

Bluntly, Auburn’s season is already over. Credit to Freeze for acknowledging that it may be time to look at the bigger picture. Actually doing it is another story, so keep an eye on whether or not White can play some reps over these final three weeks.