Phil Steele, a college football analyst known for his preseason predictions, has named Auburn University’s Walker White among the nation’s top freshman quarterbacks.

As part of his 2024 preview magazine, Steele released a ranking of the country’s top 25 first-year QBs. White came in at 10th, one of just two SEC players to make the list.

“Auburn fans might have found their quarterback in the future with White, who will likely use this year to redshirt behind more experienced players,” wrote recruiting analysis website On3. “He finished 5-of-13 passing for 83 yards during the Tigers’ spring game, flashing potential of what he can one day become.”

White, a four-star recruit out of Little Rock (AR) Christian Academy, signed with the Tigers last winter. Although he isn’t likely to playing time in 2024 with the return of established starter Payton Thorne, people around the Auburn program predict White could be an anchor of the Tigers’ program in the future.

“Walker White, I think, is going to be a star,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze in December. “I think he has got all the attributes of what a quarterback should look like. I think he’s a true Auburn man.”

Charles Vaughan is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News.