Auburn football made a statement last Friday by defeating Baylor on the road, 38-24. Two of Auburn’s prized transfer portal additions played vital roles in the win, and were honored by the SEC for their strong season-opening performances.
Jackson Arnold and Rayshawn Pleasant were recognized by the SEC on Monday for their roles in Auburn’s win at Baylor on Friday. Pleasant split SEC Special Team’s Player of the Week honors with South Carolina’s Vicari Swain, while Arnold earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week alongside LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
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Pleasant was known for his speed during his days at Tulane and was expected to be a key piece in Auburn’s return game heading into the season. He quickly lived up to the bill by returning a kickoff 98 yards in the 3rd quarter of the Tigers’ win, which played a role in Auburn solidifying the victory. His return was an answer to a Baylor touchdown that cut Auburn’s lead to 24-17, with his score proving to be crucial as each team traded touchdowns in the final quarter.
It was Pleasant’s third kickoff return over the last two seasons, making him the only current FBS player to accomplish the feat.
Arnold showed off his legs in the Tigers’ win by rushing for a team-leading 137 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first Tiger to rush for over 100 yards since the 2023 season, and his 137 yards were the most since Nick Marshall cracked the 200-yard mark in Auburn’s win over Tennessee in 2013. He also passed for 108 yards in the win becoming the first Auburn quarterback to pass and rush for over 100 yards since Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton in 2010.
The most notable play of Arnold’s Auburn debut was a 27-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter to seal Auburn’s win. Following the game, he told FOX sideline reporter Alexa Landestoy that he wanted the ball in that situation.
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“Coach Freeze was asking what plays we wanted. I told him, I said ‘just give me the ball, let’s run it.’ We did it and we scored,” Arnold said.
Arnold and Pleasant will aim to earn their second-straight SEC Player of the Week nods this Saturday when the Auburn Tigers face Ball State in the 2025 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn’s Jackson Arnold, Rayshawn Pleasant earn SEC weekly honors
