Auburn QB Jackson Arnold Reveals Why He Rejected Manning Passing Academy Invite

A high-profile returner in college football, Arnold had his chance to compete in the Manning Passing Academy this summer but will instead use the time to gel with his newest teammates. When pressed about his rejection of the Manning Passing Academy, Arnold pointed towards his want to stay in Lee County, Alabama.

"I went last year, I loved it, and I had a great experience, but I feel like I need to be around these guys as much as I possibly can. I know that going there would have meant I'd missed a couple of workouts with those guys, but I feel like that wasn't fair to them. I thought I should go through the full summer with them and just keep bonding with them," said Arnold late last week when discussing his decision to opt out of the Manning Passing Academy.

Arnold joined Oklahoma this offseason after a two-year stint with the Oklahoma Sooners. After backing up fellow passer Dillon Gabriel in 2023 as a true freshman, Arnold became the de facto starter in 2024. He posted nine touchdowns against two picks against non-conference opponents before a brutal first half in the team's SEC opener against the Tennessee Volunteers led to his benching.

Oklahoma reverted back to Arnold later in the season, where he flashed more of his dual-threat ability, including recording 131 rushing yards in a 24-3 upset win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.