Deuce Knight, No. 2 dual-threat passer for '25, transfers from ND to Auburn

Four-star quarterback Deuce Knight, ESPN's No. 2 dual-threat passer in the 2025 cycle, converted his commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn on Wednesday night, strengthening Hugh Freeze's pursuit of the top class in the country while dealing another blow to recruiting efforts the Irish represented 2025.

Knight, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback from Lucedale, Mississippi, is ESPN's No. 76 prospect in the 2025 class and lands with the Tigers at the end of a long-rumored relationship. Originally committed to Notre Dame since September 2023, Knight is now the fifth highest-ranking member of Auburn's 2025 class.

After visiting Auburn multiple times over the summer and early weeks of the regular season, Knight is now the 15th ESPN 300 prospect to commit to the Tigers in 2025. He is the seventh addition to the program's top 100 since June 1, following similar players consisting of cornerback Blake Woodby (No. 22 in the ESPN 300), defensive end Jared Smith (No. 28), safety Anquon Fegans (No. 36) and Alabama athlete Flip Derick Smith (No. 38). Auburn's 2025 class was ranked No. 4 in ESPN's latest team rankings before Knight's commitment, and the Tigers will now compete with Ohio State, Alabama and Georgia for the nation's first class if the program can retain this class through early 2025 Signing deadline is December 4th.

Excitement surrounding Knight's flip has been brewing since late summer, and his withdrawal represents another blow to Marcus Freeman's 2025 class after Notre Dame lost four-star safety Ivan Taylor, another top-100 commit, to Michigan over the summer . Following Knight's move, the Irish are expected to pursue a 2025 quarterback in the final months of the 2025 cycle.

Knight completed 53.2% of his passes for 2,047 yards and 17 touchdowns last fall at George County (Mississippi High School). He posted 494 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores in his junior season, and Knight has led George County to a 2-3 start this year.

Auburn visits No. 5 Georgia in Week 6, while Freeman and the Irish have Saturday off.