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Former Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight committed to an SEC rival out of the transfer portal this offseason. He will suit up for Ole Miss next year.
By making his pledge, he fills a much-needed role in the Rebels‘ QB contingency plan. He may or may not have competition upon arriving to campus.
Ole Miss made the College Football Playoff behind the strong play of starting passer Trinidad Chambliss. His future in Oxford, however, remains uncertain.
His application for another season was denied by the NCAA. The Rebels are expected to appeal.
Chambliss’s story was one of the sport’s best in 2025. A former DII player, he emerged as a star for Lane Kiffin and Co. The quarterback threw for nearly 4,000 yards while coming up a game shy of a national title appearance.
He’d hoped to return in 2026, citing a medical hardship that prevented him from competing in 2022. At this point in time, he is not eligible to play next year.
Deuce Knight eases concern.
The Auburn quarterback entered the transfer portal after seeing head coach Hugh Freeze fired. He committed to Ole Miss on Sunday.
Alex Golesh was hired by the Tigers to replace Freeze. He brought quarterback Byrum Brown with him from South Florida.
Despite that addition, it seems Auburn wanted Knight to stay on for one more season in a reserve role before taking over as the future starter.
They reportedly offered the signal caller a seven-figure deal. He rejected it.
He’s instead opted to sign with an SEC rival. He now awaits an appeal decision on Trinidad Chambliss.
Who will start for Ole Miss in 2026?
Questions still surround Chambliss’s playing status for next season. Again, he is not eligible to play at the time of this writing.
His backup, Austin Simmons, has already moved onto Missouri. That gives Deuce Knight a clear path to a starting role.
For Ole Miss, the signing allows the program to breathe a sigh of relief given the previous QB uncertainty. If Chambliss is not granted another season, there is a backup plan.
Knight played sparingly as a freshman, completing 17 of 25 passes for 259 yards and two scores. He was a former four-star recruit highly regarded by many notable programs.
Things didn’t work out as planned at Auburn. He’s moving on after a change at the helm. He may or may not have a starting role at an SEC rival next year.
His position on the Ole Miss depth chart now rests with the NCAA.