Skip to main content
    TJ Finley's dad gives an update on his son's shoulder

    A history of Auburn football's quarterback position under Bryan Harsin

    The Tigers have had an interesting stretch at quarterback during Harsin's tenure.
    • Author:
    • Publish date:

    In this story:

    Auburn Tigers
    Auburn Tigers

    Things have gotten out of hand pretty quickly for Auburn's quarterback room.

    Two players are out for this weekend's matchup with the Missouri Tigers, including starter TJ Finley and third-stringer Zach Calzada (who was expected to receive some form of playing time this weekend).

    Now, as things turn sour in what feels like the waning moments of the Bryan Harsin era, it's time to reflect.

    Harsin was championed as a solid quarterbacks coach during his time as head coach at Boise State, turning lower-ranked recruits into efficient game managers.

    But how has he managed the position during his short tenure with the Tigers? Here's a list of every quarterback to pass through Auburn since Harsin was hired in 2020.

    Shoutout Saturday Down South's Connor O'Gara for putting this list together.

    Bo Nix - Transferred

    Auburn Tigers quarterback Bo Nix (10) during warm ups at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.

    Nix started for three seasons at Auburn before sustaining an injury vs Mississippi State in 2021 and transferring to Oregon just weeks after the season concluded.

    Cord Sandberg - Transferred

    Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn, left, and Auburn quarterback Cord Sandberg (24) look at the scoreboard during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

    Sandberg was a backup quarterback that transferred to Eastern Kentucky a month after Harsin was hired.

    Chayil Garnett - Transferred

    Tennessee State quarterback Chayil Garnett (4) passes for a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 55-10. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

    Garnett transferred to Tennessee State in May of 2021.

    Dematrius Davis - Transferred

    Auburn quarterback Dematrius Davis (18) runs drills during an open football practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

    Davis, a former four-star quarterback, transferred to Alabama State in April of this year.

    TJ Finley - Injured

    Auburn quarterback TJ Finley (1) rolls away from Alabama pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

    Finley (LSU transfer) is currently out with a shoulder injury. During his time with Auburn he has completed 56.9% of his passes for seven touchdowns to five interceptions.

    Zach Calzada - Injured

    Auburn Tigers quarterback Zach Calzada (10) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers take on Mercer Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

    Calzada transferred in from Texas A&M and has yet to see the field for Auburn.

    Robby Ashford - First-time starter

    Robby Ashford vs Penn State.

    Ashford (Oregon transfer) will get his first collegiate start after splitting time with Finley at quarterback this season.

    Holden Geriner - Active backup

    Auburn quarterback Holden Geriner pregame before Auburn vs Mercer.

    The true freshman (originally No. 4 on Auburn's depth chart) is expected to see playing time vs Missouri this Saturday.

    It's an unimpressive stretch of signal-callers for the Tigers, no doubt. Unfortunately, through almost two years, Harsin has failed to elevate the position past its mediocre status.

    Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner will get a chance to start to turn things around this weekend.

    Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!

    Join the Discord

    Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter

    Like Auburn Daily on Facebook

    Subscribe to Locked On Auburn on YouTube

    Buy Auburn Daily Merch

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.