In a surprising twist that sent shockwaves through the college football community, four-star quarterback Deuce Knight, ranked as the No. 2 dual-threat passer in the 2025 recruiting cycle by ESPN, has officially flipped his commitment from Notre Dame to Auburn.

This pivotal move took place on Wednesday night and significantly strengthens Hugh Freeze's efforts to build a top-tier recruiting class, while simultaneously dealing a tough blow to Notre Dame's ambitions.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound quarterback from Lucedale, Mississippi, is currently ranked No. 76 overall in the 2025 class.

Knight's departure from Notre Dame, where he had been committed since September 2023, marks a significant shift in the recruitment landscape.

His switch to Auburn marks him as the fifth-highest-rated player in the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class.

Throughout the summer and early weeks of the regular season, Knight made several visits to the Auburn campus, an indication of his growing affinity for the program.

With his commitment, Auburn has now secured 15 ESPN 300 prospects for its 2025 class, including seven top-100 recruits such as cornerback Blake Woodby and defensive end Jared Smith.

Before Knight's announcement, Auburn's 2025 class was ranked fourth nationally, and this recent commitment puts them in strong contention against powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia for the coveted top spot as they approach the early signing period on December 4.

Rumors regarding Knight's potential shift had been circulating since late summer, and his decision adds to the challenges faced by Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.

The Irish already suffered a setback when top-100 safety Ivan Taylor decommitted to Michigan earlier this summer.

Faced with Knight's departure, Notre Dame is expected to intensify its search for a quarterback in the remaining months of the recruiting cycle.

Last fall, Knight showcased his talents with a strong performance at George County High School, completing 53.2% of his passes for 2,047 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Additionally, he demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities with 494 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

As his high school season unfolds, Knight has started strong, currently leading George County to a 2-3 record.

As for the upcoming weeks, Auburn is gearing up to face No. 5 Georgia, while Notre Dame will be taking a break this Saturday.

All eyes will now be on how these decisions shape the future of both programs in the highly competitive college football landscape.